A local distillery in Laos that was previously linked to a deadly methanol poisoning case now claims it has been cleared of wrongdoing, according to The Age.
The case, which shocked travellers across Southeast Asia, left six foreign tourists dead – including two Danish women.
Distillery denies responsibility
The distillery had initially been implicated in the case, but now says tests show its products were not responsible.
A relative of the owner told The Age:
“If it was only this product they were drinking, they would not have died,” she said to the media.
The distillery’s products had previously been widely sold across Laos for as little as $2.50 per bottle.
Six tourists died
The incident took place in Vang Vieng in November 2024, where several backpackers fell seriously ill after drinking alcohol believed to be contaminated with methanol.
Among the victims were two Australian teenagers as well as Danish friends Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Sørensen, 21.
The group had reportedly been staying at Nana Backpacker’s Hostel, where the drinks were served.
Evidence destroyed
Earlier this year, 10 hostel employees were found guilty of destroying evidence linked to the case. They received suspended sentences and fines of around $185, sparking anger from the victims’ families.
Authorities are not pursuing further charges over the deaths, although a man connected to the distillery is still facing legal proceedings.
Despite the latest developments, it remains unclear what caused the poisoning.
