British Tourist Goes Blind from Methanol Poisoning in Laos

A British backpacker became temporarily blind and violently ill after consuming free vodka shots at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos, just days before six other guests, including a British lawyer, died from suspected methanol poisoning. The unnamed tourist experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting and a dangerously high heart rate, after drinking the shots. She initially mistook her condition for a hangover but later sought medical help when her boyfriend urged her to go to the hospital. Tragically, the six victims, including Melbourne teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, also ingested tainted alcohol at the same hostel. The hostel's manager and staff have been detained for questioning as authorities investigate the source of the methanol. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of alcohol served to tourists in the area.