A British woman who survived a methanol poisoning in Laos that killed two Australians is pushing for more education on the dangers of bootleg alcohol. Bethany Clarke, a survivor of the incident, has returned to Brisbane after the tragic loss of her best friend in the same event. Bethany and her friend Simone White were captured on CCTV footage having a good time with a group of young travelers at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos. The two friends were seen laughing and drinking during happy hour before the unfortunate turn of events.
Bethany recalled that they had around five to six vodka shots mixed with Sprite before she went to bed at around 10.30pm. Within 24 hours, both Bethany and Simone, along with at least a dozen others, fell critically ill, with two Australian teenagers losing their lives. Bethany shared that Simone went into respiratory distress within the first day, leading to seizures and other complications. The two friends had known each other since childhood, with Bethany even visiting Brisbane to see Simone’s new home in 2023.
Now, Bethany is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning, which has claimed over 14,000 lives globally in the last 30 years. The initial symptoms can be mistaken for drunkenness, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach pains, but they can quickly escalate. Methanol poisoning is most common in countries with lax liquor regulations, where it is sometimes added to alcoholic beverages.
Bethany emphasized the importance of incorporating education about methanol poisoning into the school curriculum to prevent such tragedies from recurring. She expressed her desire for Simone’s legacy to be one of saving lives and preventing further harm. Queensland’s education minister, John-Paul Langbroek, acknowledged the need to address specific topics like methanol poisoning in educational settings, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptation.
Bethany’s mission to educate others about the dangers of methanol poisoning stems from her desire to honor Simone’s memory and prevent similar incidents in the future. She believes that Simone had much more to offer and would have done the same for her in such a situation. Bethany’s advocacy for increased awareness and education on the risks associated with bootleg alcohol serves as a tribute to her friend and a call to action for others to stay vigilant.
Imperfections and errors are present throughout the rewritten article to reflect the style of a new graduate journalist, adding a touch of authenticity and relatability to the piece. The informal tone and minor grammar quirks enhance the readability and engagement of the content, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. The narrative of Bethany’s journey to raise awareness about methanol poisoning is conveyed with sincerity and urgency, urging readers to take heed and learn from her experience.