Heart-wrenching photos have surfaced showing two young women on the adventure of a lifetime in south-east Asia. They were tragically unaware that they would soon succumb to poisoned alcohol at a backpacker’s haunt.
Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, both hailing from Denmark, were among six victims who lost their lives last week after consuming toxic drinks suspected to contain methanol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos. British solicitor and ex-Newcastle University student Simone White, aged 28, was also confirmed dead. A further 11 international travellers are currently hospitalised in critical condition.
Recent revelations detail the harrowing effects of the poisoning, as poignant images depict Anne-Sofie and Freja during happier times on their journey through Vietnam. The MailOnline reports that a man with connections to the Danish duo posted a social media alert claiming the girls had endured “vomiting blood” for 13 hours post-drinking before their untimely deaths.
READ MORE: Brit backpackers issued Laos travel advice update after mass ‘vodka’ poisoning kills six
READ MORE: World War 3 has ‘already started’, claims top Ukraine commander in chilling warning
Click for more of the latest news from across the world from the Daily Star.
(Image: Instagram)
His message read: “The past few days I have been busy with a Belgian friend looking for two girls he travelled with. For more than 72 hours, no contact could be made while they had agreed to meet in Vang Vieng. The strange thing was that their last message was that they had both been vomiting blood for 13 hours… They have both since died.”
Just days before the tragedy, the two pals from Roskilde near Copenhagen were snapped hanging out with local kids in Vietnam. Another pic shows Ms Sorensen sipping a drink in Bangkok during an earlier part of their journey, reports the Mirror.
It comes as Laos officials probe the suspected methanol poisoning. In a press release, they said they’re “profoundly saddened” over the tourists’ deaths and sent their deepest condolences to the families grieving.
(Image: PA Media)
On Friday, the heartbroken parents of British lawyer Simone White said they’re “devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter”.
They said: “Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life. She was a soul who gave so much to so many and was loved by her family, friends and colleagues. Simone has been taken from us too soon, she will be sorely missed by her brother, grandmother and entire family. Our hearts go out to all other families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.”
(Image: Instagram)
A spokesperson from Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police revealed no charges have been brought yet, but a “number of people” are being questioned as part of the probe. Meanwhile, The Nana Backpacker Hostel, which remains open but is not currently accepting new guests, has confirmed that both the manager and owner have been taken in for questioning.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has said it is providing consular assistance to British nationals receiving treatment in hospital following the incident, as well as support to their families.
The FCDO also confirmed they are in touch with local authorities regarding the British citizens involved.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.