New Zealand and Dutch officials are also said to be monitoring situations involving their own nationals.
Authorities in Laos have since confirmed that a ‘number of people’ have been detained in connection with the case, this includes the manager and owner of the town’s Nana Backpacker Hostel.
However, no charges have yet been filed.
What is methanol poisoning?
Methanol is an industrial alcohol which is commonly found in products such as paint thinner, car windshield washers and varnish products.
It is extremely toxic to humans, with the BBC reporting that just 25ml of methanol can be lethal for the body.
The chemical only becomes toxic once the body begins to metabolise it, which is why it can take up to 24 hours before the onset of symptoms.
These include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes to vision and abdominal pain.
28-year-old Brit Simone White is one of the six fatalities (Facebook)
Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial when dealing with methanol poisoning, as treatment administered within 30 hours of the poisoning can reduce the impact of the poisoning.
Is it possible to tell if there is methanol in my drink?
Methanol is typically colourless and has a similar smell as ethanol – the pure form of alcohol found in drinks such as spirits, wine and beer – which makes it hard to tell if a drink has been spiked with methanol.
It is almost impossible to tell the difference between drinks which do and do not contain methanol without specialist equipment.
Drinks to avoid while travelling
Adding methanol to alcoholic drinks is commonly found in various tourist destinations across Southeast Asia and is either added to drinks in order to save money on alcohol or used in home brewed spirits.
It is impossible to tell the difference between methanol and ethanol without specialist equipment (Getty Stock Images)
Travellers visiting countries which have a history of methanol poisoning are advised to only purchase drinks from licensed liquor stores, bars and hotels.
It is also advised to avoid consuming home-brewed alcohol as well as spirt-based cocktails.
You can also check labels on bottles for spelling mistakes or signs which suggest the product may be counterfeit as well as making sure seals on bottles are still intact.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Travel, Health, World News, Alcohol
Brenna Cooper
Parents of Brit who died from ‘methanol poisoning’ after ‘drinking free shots’ on holiday release heartbreaking tribute
Simone White’s family have released a heartfelt statement following the 28-year-old’s untimely death
The family of the British woman that died in Laos have released an emotional statement following her passing.
Simone White, from Kent, was one of six to have died from suspected methanol poisoning after ‘drinking free shots’ in the town of Vang Vieng, Laos.
The other five people were two Australian teenagers, an American and two Danish tourists, with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirming White’s death yesterday (21 November).
A Foreign Office spokersperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”
Following her tragic death, White’s parents have released a heartfelt statement about their late daughter, who worked at a prestigious law firm in London.
White is one of six victims of the case (Facebook)
“Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life.” they said. “She was a soul who gave so much to so many and was loved by her family, friends and colleagues.
“Simone has been taken from us too soon, she will be sorely missed by her brother, grandmother and entire family.
“Our hearts go out to all other families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.”
White’s brother previously revealed that the family were undergoing a ‘horrific’ time after losing an ‘absolutely lovely’ and ‘brilliant’ sister, as per The Daily Mail.
The manager and owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel have since been detained.
An officer at the town’s Tourism Police office stated that no charges have been filed, but a ‘number of people’ were detained in connection with the investigation.
The suspected poisonings took place in the town of Vang Vieng (Oleksandr Rupeta/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The hostel hasn’t ceased operations, but it is not accepting new guests, with staff there confirming that the manager and owner were among those taken in for questioning.
The FCDO also said it was in touch with local authorities about British nationals affected.
It is believed that those poisoned were served drinks that contained methanol, as it is used by certain bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, despite its use potentially leading to poisoning or death.
The hostel manager revealed that staff were told by other guests that some women were unwell after they failed to check out as planned on 13 November, and they arranged transport to a hospital.
He said they had joined over 100 other guests for free shots of Lao vodka offered by the hostel two days before, however, he further claimed that no other guest had reported any issues, and that the alleged victims had then gone out for a night out, returning in the early hours of the morning.
It is not known when the contaminated drinks were served.
A local police investigation into the suspected poisoning is ongoing.
Featured Image Credit: Facebook / Oleksandr Rupeta/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Topics: World News, UK News, Travel
Joshua Nair
Woman dies after being struck by lightning in front of husband while on holiday
The woman was hiking through the Peruvian mountains with her partner when disaster struck
A woman tragically passed away in front of her husband after being struck by lightning during a mountain hike.
The Argentinian couple were on holiday in the Red Valley, part of Peru’s Cusco region, when a weather-related disaster struck.
Gabriela Daiana Basallo, 32, was hit by lightning and instantly killed in front of her husband, Samuel Andres Sierra, who was said to have sustained serious injuries from the incident.
When called on Tuesday (12 November), authorities found Gabriela’s body with burns following the freak accident, police reports reveal.
Gabriela sadly died after being struck by lightning on their hike (NewsX)
The pair were hiking in a scenic region of the South American nation, which boasts orange and red-coloured mountains.
Tour guide Efrain Zamora Galindo was responsible for contacting relevant authorities about the death of the young woman from Buenos Aires, who was also the mother to a boy, aged 10, say local media reports.
The couple were said to be walking down a mountain when the lightning bolt hit Gabriela.
Samuel was quickly taken to hospital to receive medical treatment while Gabriela’s body was taken to a morgue for an autopsy. The public prosecutor’s office are investigating the event.
Galindo went on to say that the Red Valley is known for its terrain and unpredictable weather, with the region experiencing ‘frequent snowfall and rain’.
The valley is behind the famous Rainbow Mountain, known for its appearance that features several colours, reports The Mirror. The name Red Valley comes from the area’s standout red surface as it is rick in clay and iron.
It isn’t the first fatal lightning-related incident to take place in Peru, this year (NewsX)
Unfortunately, this is not the first tragic lightning-related accident to take place in Peru, as footballer Jose Huge de la Cruz Meza was killed after being hit by lightning during a game on November 3, with five more on the pitch injured.
Grim footage revealed the 39-year-old falling face-first on the pitch just moments after the referee called for a halt to the game around 4pm local time, after sounds of thunder became more prominent.
He died instantly, while goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, 40, was also hit by lightning, though he was rushed to hospital with severe burns.
Footage of the incident went viral just last week, with players heading towards the changing rooms as the lightning strikes occurred.
The game was abandoned after the horrifying incident, when Juventud Bellavista were winning 2-0 against Familia Chocca with 22 minutes played.
Featured Image Credit: NewsX
Topics: Travel, Weather, World News
Joshua Nair
Strict rules for tourists as British teen faces 20 years in Dubai prison after having sex with girl on holiday
The 18-year-old was reportedly taken into custody without explanation
Even if it might seem like the most luxurious, dream holiday for many, Dubai comes with a whole host of strict rules that tourists need to follow.
Having headed out there for a family trip, a British teen is currently facing 20 years in a Dubai prison after having sex with a girl.
UAE Civil & Criminal Justice Specialists Detained in Dubai report that 18-year-old Marcus Fakana had travelled to the city for a holiday with his parents back on 26 August.
And while there, the Tottenham lad struck up a romance with a fellow Londoner.
Marcus said they ‘had a wonderful time together’ and they’d hoped to continue their relationship back in the UK.
However, they were having to keep things secret from her family.
18-year-old Marcus faces up to 20 years in prison. (Detained In Dubai)
What led to Marcus’ arrest?
“We really liked each other, but she was secretive with her family because they were strict,” he said.
“My parents knew about our relationship, but she couldn’t tell hers. She had to meet me without telling them it was to see a boy.”
He was excited to see her again when he got home, but then police suddenly showed up at his hotel, and he was taken into custody without any explanation. Marcus was detained for three days, unable to contact his parents.
It is understood that the girl’s mother found the pair’s chats and photos when they returned to the UK, and contacted police in Dubai.
At the time, she was a few months younger than Marcus and has since turned 18.
Dubai recently changed the rules for tourists around sex. (Getty Stock)
What are the rules in Dubai?
Chief executive of Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling, explained that the recent rule changes in Dubai means sex outside of marriage is legal for tourists, but only if both parties are over the age of 18.
“Dubai has only recently legalised out-of-wedlock sex for tourists but still hosts a strict Islamic legal system,” the campaigner explained.
“The girl was just a few months younger than Marcus and he didn’t know that at the time,” said Stirling. “Since his arrest, she has turned 18.
“This is not something Dubai should be prosecuting.”
Unlike the stricter rules of Dubai, Marcus and the girl’s relationship would not be illegal.
Stirling added that the woman was ‘clearly a very strict mother to involve police in a private matter that is completely legal in the country where she lives and where the children have grown up’.
However, she may not have realised that she was potentially causing Marcus to face up to 20 years in prison.
What is Marcus’ situation now?
“I’m living in Airbnbs that are costing my family £2,000 per month. They had to go home to work. They earn a humble living, my mother is a cleaner and my dad works in a warehouse,” the 18-year-old said.
“They saved up for this one-off holiday and they have now used all of their savings. The police demanded 10,000 AED for bail which I’ve been told is not normal and the costs are mounting.
“I’m here all alone. I pray this nightmare will be over and I’ll be home for Christmas.”
