Authorities in Laos have detained the owner and staff of a backpacker hostel after six tourists, including British lawyer Simone White and Australian teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, died from suspected methanol poisoning.

The victims reportedly consumed free shots laced with methanol at a bar.

Methanol poisoning, often linked to counterfeit alcohol, caused severe illness in at least 12 others, including two Danish women and an American man.

Investigations are ongoing, and local officials have not yet filed charges, the U.S. Sun has reported.

Governments, including Australia and Britain, have reiterated warnings to travelers about the dangers of consuming alcohol in Laos.

Written by B.C. Begley