Former Newcastle University student poisoning death investigation launched by Laos government

Picture of Simone White, a former Newcastle University student who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos
-Credit: (Image: PA Media)


The government of Laos has expressed deep sorrow and is investigating the suspected methanol poisoning that led to the deaths of six individuals, including a British lawyer and former Newcastle University student Simone White.

The 28 year old, from Orpington, Kent, was among several individuals hospitalized after the incident occurred in the acclaimed backpacking destination of Vang Vieng last week. Officers in Laos have apprehended the manager and proprietor of a local hostel in connection with the fatalities, which are understood to include Ms White and five others who are also suspected to have been subjected to poisoning.

Presenting a statement to the press, the Laotian authorities announced their "profoundly saddened" sentiments concerning the demise of the travellers and extended their deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. The statement carried on to confirm ongoing investigations by the officials "to find causes of the incident" and vowed to "bring the perpetrators to justice".

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On Friday, the distraught parents of Ms White said they are "devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter". They added: "Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life."

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"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."

An official from Vang Vieng's Tourism Police commented that while no formal charges have yet been placed, a "number of people" are being held as part of the investigation. The Nana Backpacker Hostel, which remains open but is not currently accepting new guests, has confirmed that both the manager and owner have been taken in for questioning.

Ms White, who was employed by the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs, specialised in general commercial matters, as well as contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law issues, as stated on the firm's website. Her Linked-In page listed her as having studied law at Newcastle University. Squire Patton Boggs released a statement mourning the loss of Ms White, describing her as a "talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomised (our firm's) values".

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced it is providing consular assistance to British nationals receiving treatment in hospital following the incident, as well as support to their families. It has been reported that five individuals have died as a result of the incident, including two Australian teenagers, an American, and two Danish tourists.

The FCDO has confirmed they are in communication with local authorities concerning the British citizens involved. The victims of the poisoning are believed to have consumed drinks laced with methanol, a substance occasionally used by unscrupulous bars as a cheap substitute for ethanol, which can lead to serious poisoning or even death.

Duong Duc Toan, the manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, recounted that staff were alerted by other guests that the women were feeling ill after failing to check out on November 13, prompting the hostel to arrange transportation to a hospital. He also said that the women had participated in a gathering where over 100 guests were offered free shots of Lao vodka by the hostel two days prior.

He remarked that no other guest reported any issue, adding further that the said victims had subsequently gone out for a night on the town, only coming back in the early hours. In an address to his nation's parliament, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that 19 year old Bianca Jones passed away after being airlifted out of Vang Vieng for medical care at a hospital in Thailand.

A subsequent Australian fatality was reported on Friday in relation to the incident. Australia has disclosed that "several foreign nationals" fell victim to methanol poisoning.

Both the US State Department and Denmark's Foreign Ministry have confirmed deaths of their citizens in connection with "the incident in Laos", yet neither has directly confirmed a link with the methanol poisoning which claimed Ms Jones's life. Thai authorities have stated that Ms Jones succumbed to "brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system".

Nestled within south-east Asia, the landlocked and financially constrained Laos remains a drawcard for travellers. Vang Vieng is a haven for backpackers in pursuit of conviviality and extreme sports.

As for the officials in Laos, they've kept the case details largely under wraps, maintaining a governmental stranglehold on what's revealed. Laos operates as a one-party communist state, bereft of any structured opposition.