Laos methanol poisoning charges 'slap in face' for families

Zak White's sister Simone died after drinking a shot laced with methanol in Laos

The brother of a British tourist who died in a mass methanol poisoning says the failure to charge anyone over her death is a "slap in the face".

Simone White, 28, was one of six people who died after drinking free shots at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, in November 2024.

Last week authorities in the South-East Asian country said they couldn't determine if the deaths "were caused by the actions of any individual or by any particular cause, because no autopsies were conducted".

Simone's brother, Zak told BBC Newsbeat he found the conclusion "pretty ridiculous", as a death certificate issued in Laos lists "methanol toxicity" as one of her causes of death.

Trainee lawyer Simone and childhood friend Bethany Clarke were among about 100 guests given free shots thought to be tainted with methanol.

They felt unwell the next day and were taken to hospital, where Simone, from Orpington in south-east London, was put on life support before she died.

Two Australians, two Danish citizens and an American also died after drinking the shots.

Medical documents seen by Newsbeat state methanol was found in Bethany's blood in November 2024.

"For them to say there's not really enough evidence, I think for me and my parents, it's a bit of a slap in the face, really," says Zak.

"If you've got a death certificate with that on it, surely there's enough proof?"

Zak previously said his family had braced themselves for an unsatisfying resolution to the case as authorities were "not very forthcoming with trying to speed things along".

The case will remain open for 15 years, but Bethany says she is "not expecting much" from the Laos legal system in future.

"I don't know why it should take a rocket scientist to come to the conclusion of what's happened here."

Simone had been staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng

In February, 10 people charged with destruction of evidence received suspended sentences and fines of $185 (£135) - something Zak called an "absolute joke".

A distillery owner is facing charges over the sale of harmful food products and operating an illegal business, which collectively carry penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of £829 (US$1,100; A$1,600).

None directly relate to the deaths of Simone and five others.

Laos authorities confirmed officials had found "excessive levels of methanol" in vodka produced at the site.

Last week, the Australian government said it was "deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed" more serious charges ha