Five Tourists Die from Methanol Poisoning in Laos

Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer from Orpington, has tragically become the fifth tourist to die after consuming methanol-laced drinks while on holiday in Vang Vieng, Laos. Her death follows that of four others, including a 19-year-old Australian and two Danish women, after consuming what is believed to be contaminated vodka during a night out. After drinking free shots offered at a bar, White and her friends fell seriously ill, with many requiring hospitalization; one friend has issued a warning to fellow travelers to avoid local spirits. Local authorities are investigating the source of the tainted alcohol, while the bar's owner denies any wrongdoing, stating that the drinks were acquired from a certified distributor. Methanol poisoning, a significant risk in Southeast Asia, can cause severe health issues, including brain swelling and potential death. Governments in Australia and the UK have previously warned travelers about the dangers of consuming dubious alcoholic beverages in the region.