Summary

Holly Bowles, a 19-year-old Australian, has become the sixth foreign tourist to die from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos.

She and her friend Bianca Jones fell ill in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacking town, after reportedly consuming tainted alcohol, which can be lethal even in small amounts.

Other victims include a British lawyer, an American man, and two Danish women. Methanol, often found in bootleg or home-distilled alcohol, is believed to be the cause.

Authorities are investigating, with the manager of the hostel where free shots were served detained for questioning.

  • Hawk@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    2 days ago

    Not sure what you’re talking about, distillates are distilled fermented drinks, the methanol content doesn’t magically change.

    You can’t get more methanol by distilling. Yes it’ll be more concentrated, unless you’re throwing a ton of leaves and wood, I’m not sure where any significant amount would come from. I think possibly high pectine fruits could prove dangerous, but not sure about that.