Calum Macdonald, a 23-year-old survivor of a mass methanol poisoning incident in Laos, recently shared his distressing journey, shedding light on the perils of consuming contaminated alcoholic beverages. After enjoying a night of free shots at a popular hostel in Vang Vieng, he developed alarming vision problems, which he initially dismissed as food poisoning. Arriving at the Vietnamese border, Calum was confronted with a "kaleidoscopic blinding light" and soon discovered he had lost his sight completely due to methanol poisoning from the drinks he had consumed. Tragically, six people died from this incident, including two Danish tourists Calum had met.
Calum’s harrowing tale does not stop there; he is now collaborating with the families of three other British victims of methanol poisoning, including Simone White, who tragically passed away after experiencing severe symptoms following her stay in the same location. Simone's mother, Sue, recalls the heartbreaking moments when she was called to give consent for emergency surgery after her daughter fell into a coma.
Methanol, a toxic alcohol that can contaminate poorly made drinks, is a significant risk in Southeast Asia, where many have suffered from its effects, according to reports from the charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Symptoms are often mistaken for hangover effects, complicating diagnosis. As little as 30ml of methanol can be lethal, and while timely medical intervention can be life-saving, many are unaware of the dangers surrounding free and cheap alcoholic beverages.
Calum advises travelers to be cautious, particularly regarding free spirits, and to instead enjoy local beers. Reflecting on the tragic losses of his fellow travelers, he emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning. As he navigates life after losing his sight, he remains committed to sharing his experience to help prevent future tragedies.
The UK Foreign Office acknowledges methanol poisoning as a serious concern, pledging to work with local authorities and the travel industry to improve awareness amongst travelers abroad.
