Tourist tragedy in Laos: Popular backpacker spot linked to deadly drinks
Five tourists lost their lives in Laos after drinking tainted alcohol at a popular backpacking destination. Multiple others got sick from suspected methanol-laced drinks at local bars
A wave of drink-related incidents in Vang Vieng Laos has led to tragic outcomes - with Simone White a 28-year old British lawyer becoming the latest victim of suspected methanol poisoning
The incident which happened about a week ago at the Nana Backpacker Hostel affected several tourists who got free drinks that night. Bethany Clarke Whites friend and healthcare worker got sick but survived: her liver almost failed after drinking local spirits
Urgent - please avoid all local spirits‚ our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars
Among other victims was 19-year old Bianca Jones from Melbourne whose parents shared their loss in a heart-felt statement. Two Danish tourists in their 20s and an American visitor also died after drinking at local bars
The hostels manager Duong Duc Toan says he served Lao Tiger vodka with ice and Coke Zero to over 100 guests that night (claiming the drinks were safe); however police told bars to stop selling alcohol. The popular south-east Asian destination known for its party scene is now under investigation
