British woman fifth death in suspected Laos drink poisoning

A British woman who fell ill after drinking contaminated alcohol in Laos has died, the fifth foreign national now suspected to have died in the poisoning incident.

British media reported on Thursday that 28-year-old Simone White, a lawyer from south-east London, was among the tourists who died after consuming drinks laced with methanol, a toxic alcohol.

Simone White, the 28-year-old British lawyer who died in the suspected methanol poisoning incident in Laos.Credit: Facebook

“We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities,” Britain’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Four other tourists – Australian Bianca Jones, two Danes and an American – have died after the poisoning in Vang Vieng, a town in the South-East Asian nation popular with backpackers.

An unwell New Zealander is also linked to the suspected poisoning, with the country’s foreign affairs ministry releasing a warning about the dangers of contaminated alcohol.

A friend of White’s, Bethany Clarke, said she was among a group of six who were taken to hospital with “methanol poisoning”, the British Telegraph reported.

Posting on Facebook, Clarke warned other travellers to “avoid all local spirits” in Laos.

“Urgent – please avoid all local spirits,” she wrote, the paper reported. “Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars.

“Just avoid them as [they are] so not worth it. Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”

The naming of the British victim comes a day after the death of Jones, one of two Melbourne teenagers hospitalised by the poisoning.

Bianca Jones from Melbourne died in Thailand on Thursday.Credit: Facebook

Jones died in Thailand “surrounded by love”, her family said in a statement on Thursday.

“We are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us,” Jones’ parents, Mark and Michelle, and brother Lachlan told the Herald Sun in a statement.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia. The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling.”

Jones was travelling with Holly Bowles, 19, who remains in hospital in Thailand fighting for her life.

The best friends from Melbourne’s bayside suburbs were on what Jones’ family called a “dream getaway” in South-East Asia when they failed to check out of their accommodation as planned. Hostel staff then transported them to hospital.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Jones’ death was a nightmare that no parent should have to endure.

“Our first thoughts at this moment are with her family and friends, who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss. This is every parent’s very worst fear,” Albanese told parliament on Thursday afternoon.

“Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come, memories she should have carried with her in the long bright future that lay ahead of her. It is beyond sad that this was not to be.”

Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, where Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were staying. Credit: Facebook

This masthead has been told the case had reached the highest levels of the Laos government and that police appeared to be escalating the initially low-profile investigation.

More than a week after people became sick, authorities went to the hostel on Wednesday and confiscated bottles for testing in Vientiane, the Laos capital.

The manager of the hostel in Vang Vieng where Jones and Bowles stayed said the pair were served free shots of local vodka, but denies that is what made them sick.

Counterfeits of well-known alcohol brands and homemade spirits are a problem in Laos, and the Australian and British governments have warned citizens to be cautious when taking drinks there.

The Smartraveller website, which is run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, issued a warning on Tuesday about the danger of contaminated drinks.

“Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of suspected cases of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,” the advice says.

“Be alert to the potential risks particularly with spirit-based drinks including cocktails.”

More to come

With Reuters

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