I saw a kaleidoscopic light before going blind: survivor of Laos methanol poisoning
An account from a survivor reveals the terrifying details of an accident that caused dozens of blindness and even multiple deaths. The victims, mostly women and children, had consumed alcohol contaminated with methanol, Reporter found out.
What happened to the victims
The Reporter interviewed a female survivor who experienced blindness and recovery. She said she saw a kaleidoscopic light all around her before she went blind.
The woman described her vision as seeing everything in front of her eyes moved and shook, and she saw bright, colorful circles and lights before she became blind.
Medical mystery
The survivor's account confirms the medical mystery of the episode involving methanol poisoning. Medical workers struggled to explain the symptoms to Reporter, as they do not have specific scientific knowledge of methanol poisoning in Laos.
The contaminated alcohol
The alcohol was laced with methanol, a dangerous chemical substance sometimes used to make alcohol more potent and flavors, but is highly toxic and can cause blindness when consumed.
The aftermath
The blindness and deaths have highlighted the risks of making and consuming unregulated alcohol in Laos. The illegal production and sale of alcohol has increased, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many are desperate to earn money or find enjoyment.
Warning against adulterated alcohol
The survivor's account serves as a warning against the dangers of consuming adulterated alcohol, which remains a major problem in Laos, causing disability and death.
META DESCRIPTION: A terrifying account of a survivor of the Laos methanol poisoning incident with dozens of blindness and multiple deaths. Experience the medical mystery of methanol poisoning and the dangers of contaminated alcohol. KEYWORDS: Laos methanol poisoning, methanol poisoning, survivor story, illegal alcohol, toxic alcohol, substance abuse, blindness, colorful vision, kaleidoscopic light, unregulated alcohol, COVID-19, substance addiction, alcohol poisoning, dangerous chemicals
