Laos unable to determine cause of tourist deaths linked to methanol
Laos authorities say they cannot establish blame or cause for the deaths of six tourists who died in November 2024 after consuming methanol-tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng.
Laos' Ministry of Public Security has stated that it lacks evidence to determine whether the deaths of six tourists were caused by an individual's actions or any specific cause, as no autopsies were performed on the bodies. The incident claimed the lives of two Australians, two Danes, a Briton, and an American following a night out in Vang Vieng.
Earlier this week, it emerged that the distillery owner faces charges for selling food products harmful to health and operating an illegal business, but not for the deaths. These charges carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of £829.
In response, the Australian government expressed deep frustration and bitter disappointment that more serious charges had not been pursued. Australia's foreign ministry summoned Laos' ambassador in Canberra.
The ministry's statement on Saturday noted that authorities were not permitted to conduct autopsies in 2024, thus lacking forensic evidence to determine the cause of death. However, officials found excessive levels of methanol in vodka produced by the distillery involved.
The victims included Simone White, 28, from Britain; Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, from Australia; Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, from Denmark; and James Louis Hutson, 57, from the United States.
The free shots are believed to have been contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance commonly used in paint thinner but sometimes illegally added to alcohol to cut costs. Methanol is a colorless liquid with a taste similar to alcohol, and even a small amount can be lethal.
Many victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where guests failed to check out after falling ill on November 13. Earlier this year, ten people linked to the hostel were charged with destroying evidence and received suspended sentences and fines.
Last week, the British government launched a campaign to warn tourists about methanol risks. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include vomiting, impaired judgment, loss of balance, and drowsiness, followed 12-48 hours later by abdominal pain, vertigo, hyperventilation, breathlessness, blurred vision or blindness, coma, and convulsions. Vision problems are a distinctive warning sign.
