BRITISH tourists have been warned after five people, including a British lawyer, died after being poisoned in Laos by suspected fake drink poisoning.
Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, died after falling ill when she was allegedly served alcohol mixed with methanol at a South East Asian holiday destination.
5
British lawyer Simone White (28) died
5
Bianca Jones, 19, died in hospital
5
Some tourists reportedly fell ill with suspected methanol poisoning after drinking at the Nana Backpacker HostelCredit: AP
The British government has issued an emergency warning as 11 people, including Britons, remain in hospital after allegedly being served spicy drinks at a bar in Vang Vieng, more than 100 miles from the Thai border.
Simone was hospitalized after it is feared she drank injections mixed with methanol.
It has now been confirmed that she is the fifth tourist to die.
Simone was an associate lawyer specializing in intellectual property and technology in London at the US law firm Squire Patton Boggs, The Times reports.
She was a first pupil at St Olave’s Grammar School in Orpington and went on to study law at Newcastle University.
The Briton then completed an accelerated course at the BPP law school.
An Australian teenager, two Danish women in their twenties and an American also died after the incident in Vang Vieng.
One of the victims was 19-year-old Australian Bianca Jones, who received free cocktails at the bar.
Her friend Holly Bowles, 19, was with her that night and is also in hospital.
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.
The British government reacted to this tragic incident with a warning through the Foreign Office.
The message warned travelers about counterfeit alcohol on the market in a popular excursion area.
The FCDO said: “Methanol has been used in the production of counterfeit replicas of well-known brands of alcohol or illegal local spirits, such as vodka.
“You should be careful if it’s offered, especially for free, or when you’re buying alcoholic beverages.
Foreign Office advice: Countries Britons should avoid
“If the labels, smell or taste seem wrong, don’t drink.”
Travelers are advised to buy alcohol only from authorized liquor stores, drink only at authorized places and avoid domestic alcoholic beverages.
Two young Danish women and a 56-year-old American man also died after drinking in the party town.
Police raided the hostel as part of an investigation into the disturbing case.
They questioned employees and asked to see liquor bar staff on the night two Australian girls were given free drinks, The Herald Sun reports.
The manager of the hostel, Duong Duc Toan, and the bartender, Toan Van Vanng, had previously denied allegations that methanol was in the drinks.
Toan said he bought alcohol from a licensed vendor and said 100 people received free doses.
The hostel manager claimed that other guests did not report being sick and fired in front of the police.
He claimed that Laos police are telling hostels and hotels in Vang Vieng to stop selling alcohol.
It is not known where the contaminated drinks were sold.
5
Holly Bowles, 19, was hospitalized
5
Vang Vieng is a popular spot for backpackers Credit: AP
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education