Four holidaymakers dead from ‘spiked shots’ as British tourists rushed to hospital

British holidaymakers are currently in the hospital in Laos after a suspected mass poisoning incident that has claimed the lives of four individuals in the Southeast Asian country. Among the victims are an Australian teenager, an American man, and two Danish travellers who are believed to have consumed an alcoholic drink laced with a toxic substance. The tragic incident has left the British lawyer Simone White critically ill after ingesting a drink suspected to be contaminated with methanol, a substance that can lead to severe health complications even in small amounts. Bethany Clarke, a friend of Simone from Orpington, Kent, also ended up in the hospital after a night out together.

The Mirror reports that Bethany has issued a warning to other travellers to avoid local spirits following their harrowing experience. It is reported that the group of holidaymakers had consumed free shots at a bar in Vang Vieng, where six individuals have been hospitalized with methanol poisoning. Although the exact source of the contaminated drinks remains unclear, many of the victims are believed to have been staying at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng. The hostel owner, Duong Duc Toan, has denied allegations of serving poisonous beverages and stated that authorities are investigating the matter.

Bethany Clarke shared her ordeal on Facebook, highlighting the dangers of consuming cheap local spirits and the severe symptoms she experienced as a result of methanol poisoning. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed that they are providing support to British nationals involved in the incident and are liaising with local authorities. In a related incident, two Australian teenagers, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, who were also affected by methanol poisoning, are undergoing treatment in a Thai hospital after their stay at the same hostel as the British victims.

As the affected individuals fight for their lives in hospital, family members have expressed their shock and concern over the situation. The Jones family, in particular, shared their heartfelt prayers for Bianca’s recovery and recounted the joy and adventures the young travellers had ahead of them before the tragic incident occurred. The authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mass poisoning, and tourists are urged to exercise caution when consuming local beverages while abroad.

In summary, a group of British holidaymakers in Laos has been hospitalized after consuming potentially contaminated drinks, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of alcohol served in local establishments and serves as a reminder for travellers to be vigilant and aware of the risks associated with consuming unknown substances while abroad.