British backpacker ‘blinded’ after drinking ‘free vodka’ shots at hostel just two days before six people died there

A British backpacker has revealed the that she was temporarily 'blinded' after consuming 'free vodka' shots at a popular backpacker hostel in Laos.

The town of Vang Vieng, Laos has been rocked by a series of deaths from suspected methanol poisoning. Six foreign nationals are believed to have died, while 11 more remain in hospital.

Authorities in Laos have since confirmed an investigation into alleged poisoning is currently underway and offered their 'deepest condolences' to the families of the victims.

Several of the cases appear to be linked to the Nana Backpackers hostel, with the owner and manager detained for questioning by authorities.

Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, where several of the tourists are believed to have stayed (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

The six tourists killed have since been named as 28-year-old British lawyer Simone White, 28, Australian teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, Danish friends Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21 and, a 57-year-old American tourist James Louis Hutson.

Another British tourist has since opened up about a frightening experience at the hostel just days before the deaths, revealing to Australian outlet Herald Sun that she became temporarily 'blinded' after consuming vodka from Nana Backpackers.

The woman, who asked not to be named, explained to the outlet that she had two 'free vodkas' from the hostel on 9 November and became unwell shortly after. She also revealed that she had crossed paths with some of the six travellers who died in the town.

"I just thought I was hungover, I spent the day going between my room and the toilet, just vomiting," she explained.

"I had my eyes closed when I was walking to the toilet because I couldn’t see. I called my boyfriend and he said 'please get some help, go to the hospital.'"

She added that three people out of her group of 15 had also taken ill.

The woman, who asked not to be named, also revealed she crossed paths with some of the tourists killed (Getty Stock Images)

The woman went on to add that she'd consumed the free vodka shots at around 3pm before going on a river tubing activity with friends, an event which she cannot remember.

She went on to explain that her symptoms included a resting heart rate of 170bpm and breathlessness, alongside the temporary blindness and vomiting. After seeking medical attention at Vang Vieng District Hospital, the woman revealed she was placed on a saline drip before being discharged with nausea medication.

What is methanol poisoning?

Methanol is an industrial chemical and commonly found in products such as paint thinner and car windshield washers. It is often added to drinks as it is cheaper than ethanol - which is found in alcoholic drinks - allowing manufacturers to cut costs. There is also no way to test for methanol in alcoholic drinks without the use of specialist equipment.

Methanol is often added to drinks as a method of cutting costs (Getty Stock Images)

However, the substance is extremely toxic to humans, with just 25ml of methanol said to be lethal for the body.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes to vision and abdominal pain. Anyone with suspected methanol poisoning is urged to seek medical attention straight away.