Urgent holiday warning issued as four killed & Brit fights for life in 'fake booze poisoning' in backpacker hotspot Laos
11/21/2024 09:11 AM
BRITISH holidaymakers have been warned after four people have been killed following a suspected fake booze poisoning in Laos.
A 28-year-old British traveller is also fighting for her life after allegedly being served alcohol laced with methanol in the South East Asian holiday hotspot.
The British government has issued an urgent warning as 11 people, including six Brits, are still in hospital after allegedly being served laced drinks at a bar in Vang Vieng, over 100 miles away from the Thailand border.
Simone White, 28, from Orpington in Kent, was hospitalised after it is feared she drank shots laced with methanol.
She was among those allegedly poisoned on Tuesday night last week.
One of these four victims was 19-year-old Australian Bianca Jones, who was given free cocktails at a bar.
Her friend Holly Bowles, 19, was with her that night and also remains in hospital.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday after Bianca’s death: “This is every parent’s worst fear and a nightmare no one should have to endure.
The British government has also reacted to this tragic incident by issuing a warning through the Foreign Office.
This message alerted travellers to counterfeit alcohol on the market in the popular backpacking area.
The FCDO said: "Methanol has been used in the manufacture of counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands or illegal local spirits, like vodka.
"You should take care if offered, particularly for free, or when buying spirit-based drinks.
"If labels, smell or taste seem wrong then do not drink."
Travellers were advised to only buy alcohol from licensed liquor stores, only drink at licensed places, and avoid home-made alcoholic drinks.
Two Danish young women and a 56-year-old American man also died after drinking in the party town.
Police have raided a hostel as part of their investigation into the disturbing case.
They questioned employees and demanded to see the spirits bar staff used on the night the two Australian girls were given free drinks, according to The Herald Sun.
The hostel manager, Duong Duc Toan, and a bartender, Toan Van Vanng, previously denied allegations that methanol was in drinks.
Toan said he bought the alcohol from a licensed seller and said the free shots were given to 100 people.
The hostel manager claimed other guests had not reported being ill and he took a shot in front of cops.
He claimed Laos police were telling hostels and hotels in Vang Vieng to stop selling alcohol.
It is not known where the contaminated drinks were sold.
