A British lawyer has become the fifth fatality from a mass drink poisoning in Laos that claimed the life of an Australian teenager.
Simone White, 28, from Kent, was among a dozen backpackers who fell ill and were taken to hospital after drinking free shots suspected to have been laced with methanol.
She is the latest victim in the apparent mass poisoning following the deaths of Australian Bianca Jones, two Danish women and an American.
White, an associate lawyer, was among six people in her travel group who were hospitalised after the free drinks.
One of her friends posted a warning to Facebook after they became sick.
“Urgent – please avoid all local spirits. Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars,” wrote Bethany Clarke on the Laos Backpacking Facebook page.
“Just avoid them as so not worth it. Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”
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Clarke said her liver had “started to shut down” after drinking the alcohol.
“I got to the private hospital in time but underwent many infusions and tablets and days of recovery.”
On Thursday, the family of Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones confirmed that their “beloved daughter” had died after days on life support.
Her friend, Holly Bowles, who is also fighting for her life, remains in a Bangkok hospital.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to 19-year-old Jones in federal parliament on Thursday.
“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese said.
“Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come.
“Memories that she should have carried with her into the long, bright future that lay ahead of her. It is beyond sad that this is not to be.”
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Jones’ family confirmed her death in a statement to the Herald Sun, saying she was “surrounded by love” in her final moments.
Jones and Bowles, from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s south-east, had been holidaying in Laos last week.
They stayed at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng and drank there before reportedly going to a Jaidee bar on November 11.
Afterward, the two 19-year-olds did not leave their dorm room for 24 hours and reported feeling unwell on November 13.
Both teens were later taken to separate hospitals in Thailand and their families flew from Melbourne to be at their bedsides.
Bianca Jones died on Thursday, while Holly Bowles remains critically ill. Photos: FacebookJones’ federal member, Zoe Daniel, became emotional as she also paid tribute to the teenagers in parliament.
“To the families of these two young Aussie girls who just headed off on an adventure together,” the MP for Goldstein said.
“I know that so many members of our community are connected to these girls, to these families, I feel your grief. Our hearts are broken.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said drink spiking and methanol poisoning were “far too common in many parts of the world”.
“At this time I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy does not happen again,” she said.
Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan said the Australian women had joined more than 100 other guests for free shots of Lao vodka offered as a gesture of hospitality.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said consular assistance was being provided to the families of the two Australians girls.
– with AP
