A British woman has died after drinking contaminated alcohol in Laos, the fifth foreign national killed by suspected methanol poisoning while on holiday in Laos.
British media reported that 28-year-old lawyer Simone White, a lawyer from southeast London, was among the five tourists to have died after drinking tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, which is popular with foreign backpackers.
Britain’s foreign ministry said in a statement it is supporting White’s family and is in contact with local authorities.
White’s friend Bethany Clarke urged tourists in the region to avoid local spirits after their group fell ill.
“Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Just avoid them as so not worth it,” she wrote in a Laos backpacking Facebook group.
“Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”
Four other tourists — including Australian woman Bianca Jones — have died from poisoning in Vang Vieng.
On Thursday, Jones died in a Thai hospital after falling ill from suspected methanol poisoning while on a backpacking holiday in Laos.
The 19-year-old Melburnian and her friend Holly Bowles became critically ill after consuming drinks in Vang Vieng.
Jones’ family confirmed her death in a statement to the Herald Sun.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” they said.
“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.”
Bowles remains on life support in critical condition at a separate hospital in Bangkok.
During Question Time in parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Jones’ death as a “terrible and cruel loss”.
“This is every parent’s worst fear and a nightmare no-one should have to endure,” he said.
Bianca Jones (right) died from suspected methanol poisoning, while Holly Bowles (left) remains in hospital. Credit: SUPPLIED BY 7NEWS/PR IMAGE
“All Australians offered them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak. 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 to a long, bright future that lay ahead of her.
“It is beyond sad that this was not to be.”
Two Danish women and an American have also died following suspected methanol poisoning.
‘Please inform yourselves’
Counterfeits of well-known alcohol brands and homemade spirits are a problem in Laos, with the governments of Australia and Britain warning citizens to be cautious when drinking there.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians to be aware of the potential dangers of contaminated alcohol. Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians to be aware of the potential dangers of drinking alcohol in some tourist hotspots.
“Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are far too common in many parts of the world,” she said.
“I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks.
“Please inform yourselves. Please, let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again.”
