Laos hostel at centre of ‘mass methanol poisoning’ remained open for over a week after first victim was found dead

THE backpacker hostel at the centre of a suspected mass methanol poisoning remained open for over a week after the first ­victim was found dead.

Six tourists, including British lawyer Simone White, 28, were killed after their drinks were allegedly laced with the deadly chemical in Laos.

The body of American James Hutson, 57, was discovered in his room next to two empty bottles of vodka by a worker on November 13, a Laos government document says.

The hostel continued to operate for nine days ­following Hutson’s death before police finally closed it on Friday after five more.

Cops have detained the ­manager and owner of the Nana backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng.

He denies responsibility, along with a number of staff.

The Laos government said it was “profoundly saddened” by the deaths and confirmed it was investigating.

The hostel is said to have lured tourists in with free whisky and vodka happy hours every night.

A British backpacker told The Sun on Sunday: “We wondered how the drinks were so cheap and thought they must be watered down.

"But then sometimes we thought the alcohol just tasted different — it tasted almost clinical.”

Up to 12 travellers, including as many as five Britons, are still in hospital.

Simone, from Orpington, Kent, was travelling with friend Bethany Clarke who is also unwell in hospital.