A British lawyer has died after being served drinks laced with a toxic substance whilst holidaying in Laos, with the death toll now rising to five from a suspected mass ‘methanol-laced alcohol poisoning’.

Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, fell ill last week after her drink was allegedly spiked with the drug whilst she was staying in the backpacker town of Vang Vieng.


At least 11 people, including Britons, remain in hospital after allegedly being served laced drinks at a bar.

An Australian teenager, two Danish women aged in their twenties, and an American are among those reported to have died after the incident in the backpacker town.

Simone White is the fifth person to die from the suspected mass ‘methanol-laced alcohol poisoning’

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A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities.”

Australian teen Bianca Jones’ death was confirmed by her family hours ago, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing it to parliament.

More to follow…