Methanol Poisoning in Laos Claims Six Tourists, Sparks Travel Advisory

Laos is mourning the deaths of six foreign tourists, including two Australians, two Danes, an American, and a Briton, due to suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng. The government has expressed condolences and launched an investigation, detaining the manager of the hostel where the tourists stayed. Methanol, a toxic substance sometimes added to alcohol, is believed to be the cause. The US, Australia, and the UK have issued travel warnings, but local tourism continues as usual.