The backpacker hostel at the center of a suspected mass alcohol poisoning in Laos continued to operate for nine days after the first victim was found dead in his room, according to local reports.

As police continue to question the owner of the Nana Backpacker guest house, they revealed that the first victim was only discovered after worried staff used a master key to enter his room.

An initial report into the deaths of six backpackers shows the hotel continued to check in new guests even after the first three victims were found “unresponsive”.

American James Louis Hutson, 57, was found on his bed on November 13. Danes Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, were found unconscious the same day.

All three are believed to have died of suspected methanol poisoning, as did British lawyer Simone White, 28, and Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19.

White’s parents paid tribute to their “beautiful, kind and loving daughter” following her death last week.

They said: “Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life”.

As police continue to question the owner of the Nana Backpacker guesthouse, they revealed that the first victim was only discovered after worried staff used a master key to enter his room

Hostel manager and bartender Duong Duc Toan (pictured) has reportedly been arrested by the police

“She was a soul who gave so much to so many and was loved by her family, friends and colleagues,” they said.

“Simone has been taken from us too soon, she will be greatly missed by her brother, grandmother and the whole family.

“Our hearts go out to all the other families affected by this terrible tragedy.”

Police in Laos have arrested the manager and owner of a hostel.

An official at Vang Vieng’s tourist police office said no charges have been filed but a “number of people” have been detained in connection with the case.

Staff at Nana Backpacker Hostel, which is still operating but not accepting new guests, confirmed that the manager and owner were among those taken in for questioning.

The FCDO said it was in contact with the local authorities regarding the British nationals affected.

Those poisoned in the incident are believed to have been served drinks tainted with methanol, which is sometimes used by reputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol.

Simone White, 28, from Orpington in Kent, died after drinking free shots at a Laos hostel allegedly laced with methanol

Simone White (left) and Bethany Clarke (right) both fell ill on holiday in South East Asia. Miss Clarke survived

The city is a popular spot for young backpackers, especially those in their mid-20s or early 20s

Methanol is a colorless liquid that tastes like alcohol and is a byproduct of spirits. Consuming even a small amount can lead to blindness, multiple organ failure and death.

Duong Duc Toan, manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel, said staff were told by other guests that the women were unwell after they did not check out as scheduled on November 13, and arranged for them to be transported to a hospital.

He said the women had joined more than 100 other guests for free shots of Laotian vodka offered by the hostel two days earlier.

He said no other guests reported any problems, adding that the alleged victims had since gone on a night out and returned early in the morning.