A British tourist revealed her narrow escape from death after a night out at a notorious Laos hostel turned into a near-fatal encounter with methanol poisoning. This same party spot has become infamous following the tragic deaths of six other holidaymakers, casting a dark shadow over Vang Viang, a village once famed for its boisterous backpacker scene.
The unfortunate casualties included Melbourne teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both just 19, who were among those partaking in the nightlife offered by Nana Backpackers Hostel. Their vibrant holiday took a fatal turn when they sought help after falling seriously ill.
Airlifted to Thai hospitals, their lives were tragically claimed just days apart. The death toll from this night of terror sadly also includes 57 year old James Louis Hutson from the United States, two Danish young women, 20 year old Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and 21 year old Frela Vennervald Sorensen, along with 38 year old British lawyer, Simone White. Each met their untimely demise after what could have been an innocent night of socialising.
Lucy Davison, a British traveller who was in Laos with her boyfriend, shared her terrifying ordeal after indulging in drinks at the same hostel. In a video post that quickly went viral, she detailed her brush with death, describing how within 15 hours of consuming what was expected to be harmless alcohol, she developed symptoms that posed an immediate threat to her life.
“I was one of the British nationals who suffered methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng. I wouldn’t wish what we went through on anyone.”
Davison explained that in Southeast Asia, it’s usual for hostels to tempt guests with free booze during happy hour, and Nana Backpackers was no different. The hostel’s staff would distribute bottles of Tiger vodka or whiskey to patrons, a gesture of hospitality with potentially deadly consequences.
Davison recounted sitting with around ten other people, all sharing the complimentary drinks, unaware of the lurking danger. Despite consuming only a small amount, the methanol quickly took hold.
The British tourist recalled the terrifying onset of extreme exhaustion, violent vomiting, and a distressing loss of vision that struck her within hours. Her boyfriend’s quick response, rushing her to Kasemrad International Hospital in Vientiane, was pivotal. Her stay in the ICU was gruelling, but she credited the medical staff with saving her life.
With her recovery slowly progressing, Davison issued a stark warning to any travellers considering Southeast Asia. Her advice: stick to bottled beers or wines unless you’re certain of the source of your spirits.
“It happened to us, and we’re cautious people.”
Davison highlighted that no one is immune to the unexpected dangers of travel. Her heartfelt message stressed vigilance, urging travellers to be acutely aware of what they consume.
Back in Laos, Nana Backpackers Hostel has come under intense scrutiny. Its owner, Duong Duc Toan, along with other staff, faced police questioning though no charges have been laid as yet. Despite the gravity of the situation, staff resolutely denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the alcohol served was sourced from reputable channels.
In a bizarre demonstration of confidence in their innocence, Toan even sampled the same bottles that the victims drank from, aiming to prove their safety. Nevertheless, the chilling reports linking several local watering holes to methanol poisoning have raised serious concerns about the overall regulatory environment and safety standards for alcohol served in the area.
Methanol, a lethal cousin of ethanol, which harmlessly exists in most alcoholic beverages, remains a grave threat when improperly managed or served in illicit concoctions. This undercurrent of danger is a sombre reminder of the vulnerabilities within a traveller’s paradise.
The horror unfolding in Vang Viang has not gone unnoticed at the highest levels. The government of Laos, after international outcry, has vowed justice. In its first official statement since the incidents, government officials extended heartfelt condolences to affected families, pledging to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“Ensuring tourist safety is of utmost importance,” the statement insisted, attempting to reassure would-be visitors that their well-being remains a priority.
As Laos officials work to piece together the tragic sequence of events, the sombre reality of the situation serves as a cautionary tale for travellers keen on exploring exotic locales.
For those, like Davison, who lived through this nightmare, the hope is that their stories will inspire more awareness and caution among fellow adventurers.
@lucygdavison METHANOL POSIONING in Laos⚠️⚠️ Failed at making it concise and short so apologies if i waffled – if travelling south east asia, please be careful at what alcohol you are consuming! – last monday i was one of the british nationals who suffered methanol posioning in vang vieng in Laos. The hostel i drank the methanol from was the same hostel that has been named in the press. – my symptoms started 15 hours after consumption and were severe nausea, lucid, vision impairment, vomitting and high fever. I was put into ICU for 24 hours and spent the next 4 days recovering in the hospital. – There has been links to another bar however i can 100% say i got my methanol poisoning from the said hostel ⚠️⚠️ If you have similar symptoms, please get yourself checked at a hospital , my reccomendend hospital below, – 📍 KASEMRAD international hospital, 450 years RD, donnokkoum village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane, PDR 0103 #laos #hospital #methanolpoisoning #traveltiktok #southeastasia #alcohol
♬ original sound – Lucy_Davison
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