British woman, 28, dies from suspected methanol poisoning after taking free shots on holiday
A British woman has died in Laos, bringing the death toll to five in what appears to be a tragic mass poisoning.
Simone White died after a suspected methanol poisoning which is believed to have occurred as a group reportedly took free shots from a bar.
Australian teen Bianca Jones was confirmed to have died earlier today, in addition to an American man and two Danish tourists.
The 28-year-old, who is from Kent, was a lawyer.
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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."
The Foreign Office Consular Department have also confirmed that other Brits were poisoned in the incident, and they are supporting these people and their families.
The suspected poisoning event occurred in Vang Vieng, an area of Laos that is popular among backpackers due to its night-life and adventure sports.
Bethany Clarke, a friend of Simone's who is from the same area of Kent, claims that a group of six people were taken to hospital after drinking at the same bar.
As per Sky News, she posted in a Laos Backpacking Facebook group, where she warned other travellers about drinking alcohol.
She posted: "Urgent - please avoid all local spirits. Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars," she wrote.
"Just avoid them as so not worth it. Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning."
The death of Jones, aged 19, was also confirmed in Australian parliament earlier today.
The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that she had died after being evacuated to a Thai hospital from Laos.
Authorities in Thailand confirmed that the 19-year-old had died of 'brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system'.
Her friend, Holly Bowles, currently remains in hospital, Albanese said.
"This is every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure," he said. "We also take this moment to say that we're thinking of Bianca's friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life."
Bianca's family paid tribute via the Melbourne Herald Sun, saying: "She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.
"We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we've received from across Australia."
The US State Department also confirmed the death of the American man, while Denmark's Foreign Ministry said that two citizens had died in the 'incident in Laos'.
Michael Slavin