Australian government travel advisory updates

Simone White Among Six Dead; Laos Shuts Distillery After Methanol Poisoning

Dec 1, 2024, 08:49 PM

Authorities in Laos have shut down a distillery and arrested its owner and three others after six tourists, including two Australians and British lawyer and ex-Newcastle University student Simone White, 28, died of suspected methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol. The victims consumed local vodka and whisky believed to be laced with methanol, a substance with no taste or smell, leading to a mass poisoning outbreak in a popular tourist town where such lethal drinks have reportedly been sold for years. Simone White's mother recounted the "horrendous" 16-hour journey to reach her daughter's bedside before making the decision to switch off her life support, stating, "If it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody." The Lao government has banned the production and sale of the 'Tiger' vodka and whisky brand linked to the deaths, and Australia's government has issued a warning against consuming local spirits in Laos. Families of the victims are urging travelers to exercise caution when consuming alcohol abroad, highlighting potential risks associated with unregulated beverages.