A young woman tragically passed away after consuming methanol-contaminated shots without her knowledge. Bethany Clarke, a 28-year-old from Orpington, southeast London, embarked on a backpacking trip across Southeast Asia alongside her close friend, Simone White, also 28 years old. During their travels in countries like Cambodia and Laos, the pair indulged in bootleg alcohol, leading to fatal consequences for Simone.
Following a day of river tubing, a popular tourist activity, the two friends returned to their hostel and consumed several methanol-laced shots mixed with Sprite. The morning after, they felt unwell, attributing it to a typical hangover, although the sensation was unfamiliar and unpleasant.
Despite their discomfort, Bethany and Simone persisted with their plans, visiting the Blue Lagoon and kayaking down the river. However, their health deteriorated further, with Simone exhibiting signs of methanol poisoning such as vomiting and weakness.
After experiencing worsening symptoms, the women sought medical attention at a local hospital, where the staff initially misdiagnosed their condition as food poisoning. Subsequently, they were transferred to a private hospital, but unfortunately, Simone’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her tragic passing.
Bethany, devastated by the loss of her friend, has since become an advocate for raising awareness about methanol poisoning. She emphasized the lack of public education on the dangers of methanol-containing beverages in the UK compared to other countries like Australia. Bethany highlighted the need for governmental action to prevent further deaths and urged individuals to opt for canned drinks and avoid spirits to reduce the risk of methanol poisoning.
Recent developments have seen the Foreign Office expanding the list of countries deemed at risk for methanol poisoning due to tainted alcoholic drinks. This list now includes Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda, in addition to countries like Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Fiji.
Methanol poisoning, caused by the addition of methanol to alcoholic beverages for economic gain, presents symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. More severe signs like visual disturbances may manifest within 12 to 48 hours after ingestion, underscoring the importance of heightened awareness and caution when consuming alcoholic drinks in high-risk regions.