Survivor of Methanol Poisoning Shares Harrowing Experience and Calls for Awareness

In a shocking instance of methanol poisoning, Calum Macdonald reveals how he lost his sight after consuming contaminated drinks while traveling in Southeast Asia. This incident has prompted calls for greater awareness of the risks associated with alcohol in party regions like Vang Vieng, Laos, where multiple fatalities occurred.

Calum Macdonald's life changed irrevocably after a trip to Vang Vieng, Laos, where he unknowingly fell victim to methanol poisoning—a fate shared by many others. Upon arriving at the Vietnamese border, Calum was greeted by a "kaleidoscopic blinding light," quickly realizing something was terribly wrong with his vision. This was all after he and his friends had enjoyed free whisky and vodka shots at a local hostel, only to discover later that these drinks could have deadly consequences.

In Vietnam, his suspicions deepened when he noticed the hotel lights were on, yet he couldn't see—a realization that led to his current state of blindness. Calum mourns the loss of friends, including two Danish girls who died shortly after their visit to the same hostel. Now, he is working alongside the families of other victims, including Simone White, who tragically passed away following a coma induced by the same toxic alcohol.

Simone’s mother, Sue, received a frantic call from a doctor urging her to permit urgent brain surgery for her daughter, but it came too late—Simone succumbed to the poisoning. Methanol, found in industrial products, acts differently in the human body than ethanol, often leading to severe health complications that can masquerade as a simple hangover. Symptoms include dizziness and nausea, with severe cases causing blindness and even death.

Past incidents show that this issue extends beyond Laos; individuals like Kirsty McKie and Cheznye Emmons lost their lives in similar circumstances while traveling in Southeast Asia. Survivors like Sonia Taylor continue to struggle with feelings of guilt and confusion after drinking the same concoctions that led to their friends’ deaths.

Calum now advocates for heightened awareness regarding methanol poisoning among travelers. He advises avoiding free drinks and emphasizes the more traditional and safer local brews available in the region. The Foreign Office acknowledges the seriousness of the issue, pledging to inform British travelers of the risks associated with counterfeit alcohol.

Determined to raise awareness, Calum highlights the dangers lurking in the allure of free shots and encourages tourists to make informed decisions while traveling. As he adapts to his new reality of blindness, he remains hopeful that his story will serve as a wake-up call to others.