Laos says it can't determine cause of tourist deaths linked to methanol
Summary
Laos cannot officially determine the cause or who is responsible for the deaths of six tourists linked to methanol-tainted alcohol, as no autopsies were done. The distillery owner faces minor charges for selling harmful food products and running an illegal business, but not for causing the deaths.Key Facts
- Six tourists died in Laos in November 2024 after drinking alcohol suspected to contain toxic methanol.
- The victims included people from Britain, Australia, Denmark, and the United States.
- Laos authorities said they lacked proof to blame anyone or confirm the exact cause because no autopsies were allowed.
- The distillery owner faces charges that could lead to up to one year in jail and fines, but not for the deaths directly.
- Australia’s government expressed strong disappointment over the light charges and summoned the Laos ambassador.
- Methanol is a poisonous liquid often used in paint thinner and sometimes illegally mixed with alcohol to save money.
- Symptoms of methanol poisoning include vomiting, loss of balance, blurred vision, and in severe cases, blindness or coma.
- The victims stayed at a backpacker hostel where several people were fined earlier for destroying evidence after the incident.
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