The investigation continues in Laos as police detain eight staff members of the Nana Backpacker Hostel amid concerns over methanol poisoning that led to the deaths of six tourists, prompting heightened warnings for travelers in the region.
Eight Hostel Staff Detained Amid Methanol Poisoning Investigation in Laos
Eight Hostel Staff Detained Amid Methanol Poisoning Investigation in Laos
Authorities in Laos have detained eight members of a backpacker hostel staff following a series of suspected methanol-related fatalities involving six tourists.
Police in Laos have apprehended eight staff members from the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng after six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning. The detained individuals include both workers and management from the hostel, which has since been closed for investigation. The details surrounding the health issues of other guests remain unclear, although efforts to ascertain the full extent of this tragedy are ongoing.
Reports indicate that the hostel's owners have previously denied accusations of serving illicit alcohol. This incident marks a troubling continuation of scrutiny for the establishment, as its manager had already been questioned in a related investigation last week. After consuming free shots at the hostel, two Australian women, 19-year-olds Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, fell ill and later succumbed to unknown health issues in a Thai hospital.
In addition to the Australians, two Danish tourists, 20-year-old Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and 21-year-old Freja Vennervald Sorensen, were found unresponsive in their room on November 13. This same day, the American tourist, 57-year-old James Louis Hutson, was discovered dead in his room with empties nearby, and no visible injuries were reported.
Among the deceased was also London lawyer Simone White, aged 28, allegedly poisoned by methanol during her stay in Vang Vieng. This shocking series of deaths has raised alarms about safety in the popular backpacker hub, especially since five of the six victims were women. Governments in countries including New Zealand, Australia, and the UK have issued warnings to citizens regarding the consumption of certain spirits in Laos.
This incident has made travelers increasingly cautious, with some avoiding free alcoholic offerings that were once a staple during their visits to Vang Vieng. Methanol poisoning, often associated with bootleg alcohol, is particularly rampant in Asia, largely affecting regions with less stringent food safety regulations. The situation remains fluid as authorities investigate, hoping to prevent any further tragedies in the area. Reports indicate that another Australian dual national has also shown symptoms linked to methanol, further amplifying concerns.
