Urgent holiday warning issued as five killed including Brit lawyer in ‘fake booze poisoning’ in backpacker hotspot Laos

Following a suspected case of fake alcohol poisoning in Laos that claimed the lives of five individuals, including a British lawyer, British vacationers have been cautioned.

In the South East Asian vacation destination, Simone White, 28, of Orpington, Kent, passed away after becoming ill after allegedly being handed beer tainted with methanol.

Since 11 individuals, including British nationals, are still in the hospital after reportedly being served tainted cocktails at a pub in Vang Vieng, more than 100 miles from the Thai border, the British government has issued an urgent warning.

Simone was admitted to the hospital when it was suspected that she had ingested methanol-laced injections.

It has now been verified that she is the fifth tourist to pass away.

According to The Times, Simone worked as an associate attorney at the American legal firm Squire Patton Boggs in London, where she focused on technology and intellectual property.

She attended St. Olave’s Grammar School in Orpington for her A-levels before attending Newcastle University to study law.

After that, the British student completed an accelerated course at the BPP law school.

Following the incident in Vang Vieng, there have also been reports of the deaths of an American, two Danish ladies in their thirties, and an Australian youngster.

Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian, was one of the victims; she received complimentary beverages at a bar.

That night, she was accompanied by her 19-year-old friend Holly Bowles, who is still in the hospital.

Following Bianca’s passing, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Thursday: “This is a horror that no one should have to go through and any parent’s worst nightmare.

In response to this unfortunate event, the British government has also issued a warning through the Foreign Office.

Travelers were warned by this warning about the presence of fake booze at the well-known backpacking destination.

According to the FCDO, methanol has been utilized in the production of fake imitations of popular alcohol brands or illicit regional spirits, such as vodka.

If offered, especially for free, or while purchasing spirit-based beverages, you should exercise caution.

Do not consume alcohol if the labels, taste, or smell appear off.

It was recommended that travelers refrain from making their own alcoholic beverages, only purchase alcohol from authorized liquor stores, and only consume alcohol in authorized establishments.

After drinking in the party town, a 56-year-old American guy and two young Danish ladies also perished.

As part of their investigation into the unsettling case, police have raided a hostel.

The Herald Sun reports that they interrogated staff members and requested to see the spirits bar staffers used the evening the two Australian girls received complimentary drinks.

In the past, claims that methanol was present in drinks were refuted by bartender Toan Van Vanng and hostel manager Duong Duc Toan.

Toan said that 100 people received the free shots and that he purchased the booze from a licensed vendor.

According to the hostel management, he was shot in front of police, and other visitors had not reported feeling sick.

He said that hotels and hostels in Vang Vieng were being ordered by Laos authorities to cease selling alcohol.

The location of the tainted drinks’ sale is unknown.

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