four bar patrons die after drinking shots of alcohol

Four tourists were killed in Laos last week. Poisoning from adulterated alcohol containing methanol is suspected.

At least four foreign tourists have died in Vang Vieng, a town in Laos that has become an ecotourism destination, government officials and media announced Thursday.

The victims allegedly consumed shots of alcohol, mixed with methanol, which caused poisoning.

Methanol is an alcohol used in the manufacture of antifreeze or windshield washer fluid, varnish or photocopier fluid. It can be added to other alcohols to increase their potency or reduce their price, but it can cause blindness, liver damage and death.

Different nationalities

The deceased tourists are two Danes, an Australian and an American, according to their respective governments, which do not specify the causes of death.

According to British and Australian media, a group of a dozen tourists fell ill after a night out in Vang Vieng on November 12. Several were hospitalized in Thailand.

In their travel advice, the authorities of several countries warn their nationals about the risks of methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol in Laos.

Indeed, in August, six people died and around twenty were hospitalized in Thailand after drinking contraband alcohol containing methanol.