A recent incident in Laos has underscored the dangers of consuming contaminated alcohol, as a woman survived a tragic vodka poisoning that claimed the lives of six tourists.
The Incident
Bethany Clarke, a close friend of Simone White, was vacationing in Southeast Asia when they both unknowingly consumed shots suspected to be laced with methanol at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng. The pair each drank six shots, believing they were safe, as Bethany watched the bartender prepare the drinks without any indication of danger.
Immediate Effects
The following day, Bethany and Simone woke up feeling lethargic and slightly unwell. Initially, Bethany dismissed her symptoms, stating, „I didn’t think anything bad was going to happen.” However, she later realized that their lethargy was a sign of serious methanol poisoning.
As their condition worsened, Bethany experienced severe fatigue, nausea, and even fainting. They were taken to a hospital by other travelers, where Simone began to have seizures and struggled to breathe.
Simone’s Struggle
Simone required emergency brain surgery due to the extent of her injuries. Her mother, Sue White, received the heartbreaking call at 2 AM UK time and immediately flew to Laos, fearing the worst. „It was probably the worst experience of my life, absolutely horrific,” Sue recalled. Despite being placed on life support, Simone’s condition deteriorated, and she passed away three days later from methanol toxicity and an intracranial hemorrhage.
The Dangers of Methanol
Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol that can be added to drinks to increase potency or may result from improper brewing or distilling practices. Prof. Oliver Jones from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology explains that the body converts methanol into formic acid, which disrupts oxygen usage in cells, leading to severe organ damage. Symptoms of methanol poisoning can include vomiting, seizures, dizziness, and in severe cases, blindness or death.
Aftermath and Recovery
While Bethany has made a full recovery, she expressed difficulty coming to terms with surviving while her friend did not. She stated, „I think we’ve just had to try and get through the funeral and obviously we want to try and spread awareness.” The tragedy has sparked a call for increased awareness of the dangers associated with consuming alcohol from questionable sources.
Investigations into the Hostel
In the wake of the incident, eight employees at the Nana Backpackers Hostel were arrested, but none have been charged in connection with the six deaths. The hostel has since been closed. The manager and bartender claimed they sourced the alcohol from a licensed seller, asserting that the free shots were served to over 100 guests without other complaints of illness.
Reports indicate that the response from hostel staff was inadequate, with claims that they refused to call an ambulance for those in distress. Among the victims were Danish tourists Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald, who succumbed after vomiting blood for hours.
Conclusion
This tragic event highlights the critical need for vigilance regarding the consumption of alcohol while traveling, especially in unfamiliar environments. As survivors like Bethany seek to raise awareness, it is imperative for travelers to remain informed about potential risks and to prioritize their safety.
