Suspected methanol poisoning survivor calls for major change after friend's death
Video transcript
A survivor of a suspected methanol poisoning is urging international airports to raise public awareness over the risks of potential alcohol poisoning at popular travel destinations.
Bethany Clark lost her childhood best friend Simone White after the pair drank spirits poured for them at a hostel while holidaying in Laos in November 2024.
Ever since, Bethany has been campaigning to get better education out there for young Aussies.
She believes posters and leaflets at international airports would go a long way in helping travellers make informed choices and ultimately would save lives.
Speaking to Yahoo News, Bethany said, I can't see the harm in having messaging in the majority of international airports.
I just think it would be a sensible, very cost-effective idea.
People aren't reading the news, but if you're flying out of an airport, you're probably going to sit on a toilet, put posters on cubicle doors.
Bethany admitted she knew little of the risks before flying to Laos, where 6 people died after drinking alcohol suspected to be contaminated with methanol.
Adding, if somebody's pouring out of a bottle in a bar within a hostel setting and you've had a look at the reviews and no one has had a bad experience, I suppose you think I'm safe, and that's the trouble.
She believes having airports and airlines opting to easy messaging will be a quick way to raise awareness and have a lasting impact.
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