An inquest has heard that workers at a hostel in Laos were not involved in contaminating drinks with methanol, which led to the deaths of British backpacker Simone White and five other tourists. The 28-year-old from Orpington, Kent, died on November 21, 2024, after consuming beverages at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng.
Investigation Findings
Assistant coroner for South London, Sebastian Naughton, told South London Coroners' Court that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have advised there is no evidence linking hostel staff to the methanol contamination. However, an investigation into the distillery owner and factory workers involved in producing the drink is ongoing. Mr Naughton stated that charges have been referred to prosecutors under Laos criminal law for the factory distillery owner, based on test results and information provided by the AFP.
Family Frustration
The update came through an overseas crime agency based in Vietnam. Hostel staff were fined the equivalent of £95 for serving the deadly alcohol, sparking anger among victims' families. During a pre-inquest review at Croydon Town Hall, Mr Naughton acknowledged the frustration from Simone's family over delays and the lack of a criminal investigation in Laos. He noted that it is common for deaths overseas to be delayed pending investigations in other countries.
Lack of Cooperation
Sarah Price from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) expressed concerns that no new information might emerge, describing Laos' government as closed and secretive. She said it is very unlikely that any documentation on the distillery case will be provided, despite pressing the authorities. Mr Naughton requested an update in five months. If no new information is available, a full inquest will be scheduled within six months, where the pathologist who conducted Ms White's post-mortem will testify on methanol poisoning.
