Laos Methanol Poisoning Traced to Factory as Hostel Staff Arrested

Six tourists, including a British lawyer, died after consuming tainted vodka, prompting factory closure and heightened travel warnings.

Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer, was one of six tourists who died after consuming methanol-laced vodka at a hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Authorities have linked the contamination to a factory near Vientiane producing Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky, which has since been shut down, and its owner arrested.
Laos police have detained 11 staff members from Nana Backpackers Hostel, where the victims consumed the drinks, though the hostel denies serving tainted alcohol.
Methanol, a toxic substance sometimes found in counterfeit or poorly distilled alcohol, can cause severe poisoning, organ failure, blindness, and death even in small amounts.
Governments, including Australia and the U.S., have issued travel warnings urging tourists to avoid Tiger-branded spirits and exercise caution with local alcohol in Laos.