Five foreign tourists have died in Vang Vieng, Laos, a popular backpacking destination, after allegedly consuming cocktails suspected to contain methanol. According to AP News on the 21st local time, 12 tourists from countries including the U.S., Australia, and Denmark drank cocktails provided by a hostel in Vang Vieng on the 12th, and five of them died.
Among the victims were Simon White, a 28-year-old from the UK, Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old from Australia, two Danes, and one American, who all complained of stomach pain and were taken to a hospital, but ultimately passed away.
Bianca Jones’ friend, Holly Bowles, also hospitalized, is currently in Bangkok, Thailand, receiving treatment with life support. Thai authorities reported that the high concentration of methanol found in Jones’ body caused brain swelling.
Bethany Clarke, a friend of White, posted in a Laos backpacker group on Facebook, mentioning that they drank free alcohol offered by the hostel bar and that six people who drank at the same location are hospitalized for methanol poisoning. She also advised avoiding all spirits provided locally.
The New Zealand Embassy in Laos also reported that a New Zealander contacted them after mentioning the possibility of methanol poisoning. The New Zealand Foreign Ministry noted several suspected methanol poisoning cases in Laos and urged caution when consuming alcohol, especially cocktails and mixed spirits.
Laos police have detained the hostel manager for investigation. According to local police, the manager is reported to have provided over 100 guests with free Lao Tiger vodka mixed with ice and Coke Zero. However, the manager denied distributing the problematic drinks at the hostel, stating that “the alcohol provided was sourced from a verified distributor” and claimed “we did nothing wrong.”