6 tourists killed by methanol in Laos

At least six tourists have succumbed to methanol-contaminated alcohol poisoning in Laos. The Laotian Ministry of Health has confirmed the deaths of two 19-year-old Australian women and a 28-year-old British woman. An American man and two Danes are also believed to be victims of methanol poisoning, although the exact causes of their deaths have not been disclosed. A tourist from New Zealand remains hospitalised. All cases were registered in Vang Vieng. As reported by official sources, the government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is engaged in the process of investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police have confirmed the arrest of several individuals, although no further details have been provided. A health alert has been issued by the US State Department to its citizens travelling in Laos, warning them of the probable occurrence of methanol poisoning. This is believed to be the result of the consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages. Similar notifications have been received from other countries whose nationals have been affected by this phenomenon.