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Methanol

Matthew Hill investigates methanol, a devastating story with a rising death-toll.

In November 2024, six people died after visiting a bar in Vang Vieng, Laos. Authorities in the country said it was a suspected mass poisoning. It made headlines around the world - but it wasn鈥檛 an isolated incident.

Every few months, reports circulate of large numbers of people falling ill or dying after a wedding or large gathering. In some cases, hundreds of people have died in individual outbreaks, with many more left blind or hospitalised.

It's happening across South East Asia, Central America, and the Middle East - often in countries where drinking alcohol is frowned upon, taboo, or even illegal.

The culprit is methanol.

Matthew Hill investigates a devastating story unfolding right now with a rising death-toll, and meets the people on the ground urgently working to treat those effected.

Release date:

27 minutes

On radio

Thu 20 Mar 2025 02:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 20 Mar 2025 02:32GMT
  • Thu 20 Mar 2025 09:32GMT
  • Thu 20 Mar 2025 20:06GMT
  • Thu 20 Mar 2025 21:06GMT
  • Sat 22 Mar 2025 17:32GMT
  • Sat 22 Mar 2025 23:06GMT
  • Sun 23 Mar 2025 05:32GMT
  • Sun 23 Mar 2025 14:06GMT
  • Sun 23 Mar 2025 23:32GMT