Brit becomes fifth victim in Laos after ‘methanol-laced alcohol’ poisoning

A British lawyer has died after falling ill during a holiday in Laos.

Simone White, 28, from Orpington, has become the fifth tourist to die in a suspected mass poisoning case.

The Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”

Ms White became ill last week after reportedly drinking “free shots” from a local bar in Vang Vieng. 

This comes after an Australian teenager, two Danish women in their twenties, and an American national died in the same resort popular with backpackers.

They are believed to have consumed drinks laced with methanol, a cheaper alternative to ethanol sometimes added to mixed drinks which can cause severe poisoning and even death.

The FCDO is also providing assistance to other British nationals in hospital following the incident, as well as their family. 

At least 11 people, including British citizens, remain in hospital.

Ms White was an associate lawyer at a US law firm based in London.

Her friend, Bethany Clarke, posted a warning to other travellers on social media: “Urgent – please avoid all local spirits.

“Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars… Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”

Bianca Jones, 19 from Melbourne, Australia, died in hospital on Thursday.

Her friend, Holly Bowles, also 19, is in a serious condition in hospital in Thailand.

Anthony Albanese, the Australian Prime Minister, said: “This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” said Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister. “We also take this moment to say that we’re thinking of Bianca’s friend Holly Bowles, who is fighting for her life.”