"Trainee lawyer Simone and childhood friend Bethany Clarke had met up in Laos and spent a night at the hostel, where about 100 guests were given free shots. It is thought those drinks were tainted with methanol, a toxic substance normally found in paint thinner but that is sometimes mixed with alcohol illegally to cut costs. The friends felt unwell the next day and were eventually taken to hospital, where Simone, from Orpington in south-east London, was put on life support before she died."
"The UK government recently told Simone's family that 10 people charged with destruction of evidence had received suspended sentences and fines of $185 (135) each, with no plans for further action to be taken. Her brother, Zak White, tells BBC Newsbeat: "I don't think we're ever going to get to the bottom of what happened and get a fair punishment.""
Six people died after drinking free shots at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, in November 2024, after the drinks were reportedly tainted with methanol. Simone White, 28, was placed on life support and later died; her friend Bethany Clarke survived. Authorities initially arrested 13 suspects; a UK Foreign Office memo says 10 people connected to the hostel were convicted of destruction of evidence and received suspended sentences and fines of $185 (135) each. The distillery owner allegedly supplying the methanol is reportedly awaiting trial. Bereaved family members and survivors express anger and believe no one will be held criminally responsible.
Read at www.bbc.com
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