Methanol poisoning explained as parents issue desperate plea after teen daughters die on holiday
Travellers are urged to be aware of methanol poisoning following the deaths of six backpackers in Laos, which comes after two of the victim's parents spoke out to issue a plea to other travellers.
In November 2024, six tourists - two Australians, two Danes, one Brit and one American - died after consuming free shots at Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos.
It was later determined the tourists had died from methanol poisoning.
There has since been an increased effort to raise awareness around methanol poisoning in the aftermath of the deaths, including educating young travellers on the warning signs to look out for.
What is methanol, and why is it dangerous to the body?
Methanol is described as a clear colourless liquid, which is created from distilling wood – hence the term wood alcohol. It is typically used as an ingredient in paints as well as antifreeze.
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The UK government website also notes that small amounts of methanol are found in human body, as well as plants, animals and fresh fruits.
Although small amounts occur in the body, methanol is considered highly dangerous to humans due to the harmful toxins created when the body attempts to break it down.
By-products such as formaldehyde, formate and formic acid are created, which in turn attack the nervous system.
Formate, which is the main toxin produced, acts in a similar way to cyanide and stops energy production in cells, and the brain seems to be very vulnerable to this," Dr Christopher Morris, a senior lecturer at Newcastle University, explained to the BBC.
"This leads to certain parts of the brain being damaged. The eyes are also directly affected and this can cause blindness which is found in many people exposed to high levels of methanol."
As well as blindness, methanol poisoning can also lead to coma and death without prompt treatment.
"You can ease all affects if you get to hospital early enough and that hospital has the treatment needed," Dr Knut Erik Hovda from Médecins Sans Frontières added.
What are the symptoms of methanol poisoning?
In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning, the UK government released warning signs which may indicate a person's drink has been spiked with methanol.
Initially, methanol poisoning may resemble being drunk, with symptoms including vomiting, poor judgement, loss of balance and drowsiness.
In the following 12 to 48 hours symptoms begin to develop, with people experiencing abdominal pain, vertigo, hyperventilation, breathlessness, blurred vision and/or blindness. Patients may also fall into a coma.
Travellers visiting regions which have seen cases of methanol poisoning are advised to avoid free alcohol and unlabelled spirits, instead sticking to branded beers and drinking at licensed bars.
The case is back in the news again after the fathers of Australian friends Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones spoke out about their frustration at the lack of accountability over their daughters' deaths.
Responding to the news that 11 employees at the hostel had received suspended sentences and a fine of AUD$185 (£95) for destroying evidence, a case which only related to the death of US national James Louis Hutson.
"There hasn't been enough pressure put on the Laos government for us," Shaun Bowles told 3aw.com, revealing that news of the court case was passed onto them by Neil White, who was told by the UK Foreign office, rather than the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.
"We’ve been in touch with the government yesterday and last night and what we’re... asking them to do is to step up and represent our girls in the way that they deserve to be represented," Mark Jones added to 9News.
"Because we just we’re out of options. It’s pretty devastating."
Topics: World News, Australia, Health
Brenna Cooper