Police have reportedly arrested the owner of a tourist hostel where a group of tourists stayed before six of them died in an alleged poisoning.
British barrister Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, died on Thursday after falling ill after drinking free shots allegedly laced with methanol while in Laos, Southeast Asia.
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British tourist Simone White (28) died yesterday
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Duong Duc Toan, manager of the Nana Backpackers hostel where some of the victims stayed
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Pictured: Hostel Nana Backpacker Credits: Facebook
An unnamed tourist police officer in Vang Vieng told AP today that several people have been detained as part of the investigation – but no charges have yet been filed.
Staff at the hostel then confirmed that the manager and owner were among those detained by the police.
Although still operating, the place is not accepting new guests.
The police have not yet named those detained for questioning or made an official comment on the development.
At least some of the tourists affected by the incident are believed to have been staying at the hostel – where they were allegedly offered free injections.
The venue told ABC that the bar does not serve contaminated drinks.
A total of six people have died since drinking them last week – including a 19-year-old Melbourne woman named Bianca Jones and her friend Holly Bowles.
Holly, also 19, was critically ill in hospital before her family announced her death on Friday.
The couple were rushed to different hospitals last week after guests at the hostel alerted staff because they had not checked out on Wednesday.
Her dad Shaun told Nine News: “It is with a broken heart and we are very sad to say that our beautiful little girl Holly is now at peace.
“We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness to so many people.”
Two unnamed Danish women in their twenties and one American also died.
Around 12 more people, including Britons, are believed to be seriously ill.
Officers are still investigating the horrific incident – as reports and testimonies from tourists online suggest those affected consumed drinks laced with methanol.
Methanol is a toxic substance that is often found in contraband alcohol or used in industrial products such as paint thinner, antifreeze, varnish or copier fluid.
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Health officials walk out of the Nana Backpackers hostel today after questioning staffCredit: AP
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Officials check documents and talk to hostel employees Credit: AP
The six of us who drank in the same place are currently in the hospital due to methanol poisoning
Bethany Clarke, friend of Simone White
Thai police have spoken to Reuters following the death of Australian teenager Bianca – confirming on Thursday that she died of “methanol poisoning”.
The official said: “The doctor who examined her said the cause of death was methanol poisoning, a fake drink.
“The amount of methanol in her body was high, which led to swelling of the brain.”
Meanwhile, Thai police chief Phattanawong Chanphon said today of Bianca’s death: “She had been unconscious since she was picked up from Laos and has not regained consciousness since then, although she received medical attention.
“The cause of death is probably the consumption of methanol from a fake drink.
“It is poison and cannot be consumed.”
Bianca’s devastated family previously said she was on her “dream getaway with her best friend Holly”.
They told the Aussie Herald Sun on Thursday: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away.
“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted to know that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love and prayers we have received from all over Australia.”
Cause of [Bianca’s] death is likely from consuming methanol from a fake drink. It is poison and cannot be consumed
Phattanawong Chanphon Thai Chief of Police
Simone’s friend Bethany Clarke – also in hospital – raised the alarm with an urgent warning on the Laos Backpacking Facebook group last week.
She wrote: “Urgent — please avoid all local alcoholic beverages. Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and drank the free glasses offered by one of the bars.
“Just avoid them because it’s not worth it. The six of us who drank in the same place are currently in the hospital with methanol poisoning.”
Bethany added that she was “very tired and then passed out, then just felt nauseous and then my liver started shutting down.”
She continued: “I got to the private hospital on time, but I went through many IVs and pills and days of recovery.”
HORROR IN LAOS: Who died after alleged methanol poisoning?
BY Ellie Doughty, Foreign Correspondent
FIVE women and one man have died after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, Southeast Asia.
Two women, in their 20s, were visiting from Denmark.
Another, 19-year-old Bianca Jones, was traveling with her friend Holly from Australia.
Bianca and Holly, from Melbourne, were on their “dream getaway” together when they fell ill, Bianca’s family said this week.
The girls were rushed to different hospitals – before Holly also died on Friday.
Bianca and Holly’s loved ones flew out to be at their bedsides and be with them when they died.
Another victim – British Simone White, was a 28-year-old lawyer from Kent.
A man from the United States, believed to be in his 50s, also died.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed yesterday that it is supporting Simone’s family.
A spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of the British woman who died in Laos and are in contact with the local authorities.”
A statement from the Danish Foreign Ministry said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs can confirm that two Danish nationals have died in Laos. Due to the confidentiality of personal matters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no further comment.”
New Zealand’s foreign affairs ministry told local media on Thursday that one of its nationals is also unwell with suspected methanol poisoning.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday after Bianca’s death: “This is every parent’s worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure.
“All Australians extend our deepest sympathies to them at this time of heartbreak.”
“We also take this moment to say that our thoughts are with Bianca’s friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life,” Albanese added.
Holly’s uncle Dale told the ABC earlier this week: “It’s so hard when you’re so far away.
“There’s just a sick feeling in my stomach that just won’t go away.
“It’s just a day-by-day process right now. At this point … all we can ask of her is to just keep fighting.”
He said Holly’s family are keeping vigil at her bedside as she fights for her life in a Thai hospital.
The Australian and British governments have previously warned travelers to be careful with alcoholic beverages in Laos.
Methanol is a toxic alcohol used industrially as a solvent, pesticide and fuel source, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes on its website.
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Australian tourist Bianca Jones (19) also died in hospital
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The tourists reportedly fell ill after partying on Tuesday night last week
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Holly Bowles, on holiday with her friend Bianca, is seriously ill in hospital
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Bethany Clarke (pictured) has spoken out about the horrific incident online
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