Former Newcastle University student dies in suspected poisoning in Laos
by Josh Payne PA Chief Reporter · ChronicleLiveA British lawyer who tragically passed away after reportedly being served alcohol tainted with methanol in Laos was a university student in the North East, it has been revealed. Former Newcastle University student Simone White, hailing from Orpington, Kent, was among several individuals rushed to hospital following the incident in the popular backpacker hotspot of Vang Vieng last week.
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they were providing support to the 28 year old's family following her tragic death. Ms White was a legal professional with the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs, specialising in general commercial matters, as well as contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law issues, according to the firm's website. Her Linked-In profile listed her as attending Newcastle University where she studied law.
The FCDO also stated it was offering consular assistance to other British nationals hospitalised in the incident, along with their families. Four others are currently known to have died, including an Australian teenager, an American and two Danish tourists.
Many of the victims were guests at the Nana Backpacker Hostel – staff reported that guests had fallen ill after failing to check out on November 13. The FCDO said it was liaising with local authorities regarding the British nationals affected.
It is believed those poisoned in the incident were served drinks contaminated with methanol, a substance sometimes used by unscrupulous bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but which can cause severe poisoning or even death.
Professor Alastair Hay, Professor (Emeritus) of Environmental Toxicology at the University of Leeds, has brought attention to the serious risks posed by methanol poisoning, saying: "The risk from methanol is twofold."
He outlined, "Methanol breaks down in the body to formaldehyde and then formic acid. The formic acid upsets the acid/base balance in blood and the major consequence is initially the effect on someone's breathing."
He also mentioned that there are repercussions for a number of organs, emphasizing, "There are effects on many other organs the kidney being one. The disturbance of acid/base balance and disrupted breathing will eventually affect the heart and it will stop functioning."
Moreover, he cautioned: "Formaldehyde attacks nerves, particularly the optic nerve and blindness is a potential risk."
On discussing treatment methods, Professor Hay remarked, "Depending on the severity of poisoning, treatment may require dialysis to remove methanol from blood whilst at the same time keeping someone mildly drunk by administering ethanol."
"If the poisoning is not too severe, and only blood tests will determine this, ethanol alone may suffice."
In a distressing update provided to parliament, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke of the tragic case of 19 year old Bianca Jones, who died after being sent for advanced medical care in a Thai hospital following an incident in Vang Vieng. Her friend, Holly Bowles, also 19, is currently undergoing treatment in Thailand.
Australia has recognised that "several foreign nationals" have fallen ill because of methanol poisoning. Details emerged as the US State Department verified the death of an American, and Denmark's Foreign Ministry confirmed two Danish citizens passed away after "the incident in Laos".
However, neither department has made direct comments on whether these cases are connected to the methanol poisoning that led to Ms Jones's demise. Thai officials have declared that Ms Jones died from "brain swelling caused by high levels of methanol found in her system".
Laos, a country in south-east Asia known for its economic challenges and appeal to tourists, is surrounded by land. The town of Vang Vieng, renowned for its lively atmosphere and thrill-seeking activities, is a hotspot for travellers looking for adventure.
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