Laos hostel staff detained on suspicion of methanol death

Police in Laos have detained the manager and seven other employees of a backpacker hostel after six backpackers died of suspected methanol poisoning.

Tourists – two Australians, two Danes, an American citizen and a British citizen – died earlier this month after drinking tainted alcohol in the city of Vang Vieng. A few of them stayed at the Nana Backpacker Hostel.

It is unclear how many other people became ill.

The death shone a spotlight on the popular backpacking town and frightened tourists, especially women, as five of the six victims were women travelers.

Several governments, including New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, have warned their citizens against drinking spirits in Laos.

Last week, 19-year-old Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died days after being admitted to hospital in neighboring Thailand. These were the first deaths suspected to be caused by methanol – a toxic, tasteless and colorless substance commonly added to illicit alcohol.

Danish authorities then announced the deaths of two women, aged 19 and 20, who died in Vang Vieng earlier this month. The body of a 57-year-old American was also found in Vang Vieng.

Last week, 28-year-old London lawyer Simone White died after it was believed she had consumed methanol.

The owners of Nana Backpackers Hostel, which is now closed, have denied serving illegal alcohol.

Some travelers in Vang Vieng are avoiding the once popular free shots and buckets of alcohol offered to tourists, says BBC that they feared for their safety.

Methanol poisoning is most widespread in Asiamainly affecting poorer communities and places with weak food regulations and enforcement.

Authorities have confirmed that a New Zealander who fell ill due to suspected methanol poisoning has returned home.