Key Takeaways:
– A second Australian teenager has died after consuming tainted alcohol in Laos.
– The total death toll in this mass poisoning incident involving foreign tourists has reached six.
– The U.S. State Department issued a health warning to citizens traveling in Laos, following similar alerts from other countries.
– Methanol is often used as a cheaper alternative in mixed drinks at dubious bars, resulting in severe poisoning or death.
– Authorities detained several individuals in relation to this case, including the owner and manager of the hostel where some of the victims stayed.
Distressing Incident
In a deeply tragic turn of events, a second Australian teen, Holly Bowles, has succumbed to the methanol poisoning she contracted from tainted alcohol in Laos. Bowles’ death, confirmed by her family on Friday, brings the count of fatalities in this mass poisoning event to six.
An Unfortunate Night
The course of events unfolded with a group of tourists out on a night of revelry on November 12. British and Australian media report that roughly a dozen foreigners fell ill. Subsequently, the U.S. State Department issued an alert on health safety, warning prospective travelers about the potential for methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Australian Prime Minister’s Announcement
The alarming news about the poisoning reached far and wide, and Australia’s prime minister made an official announcement. The prime minister revealed that one citizen, 19-year-old Bianca Jones, had tragically lost her life in a Thai hospital while her friend Holly Bowles was battling for her life.
Tragic Consequences
Further disturbing reports about tourist fatalities have emerged. A 28-year-old British woman, Simone White, died from suspected methanol poisoning. An American and two Danish tourists also lost their lives, although the specifics about their deaths remain unreleased. Possible methanol poisoning also sickened one traveler from New Zealand.
In the Wake of Tragedy
In the aftermath of these tragic events, Laos authorities swung into action detaining individuals in connection with the case. Among the detainees were the owner and manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where some of the victims stayed. However, formal charges have not been filed yet.
What is Methanol?
Methanol is a dangerous substitute for ethanol frequently used in mixed drinks in unscrupulous bars. Although cheaper, it leads to severe poisoning and even death. This harmful compound is a common byproduct of poorly distilled homemade liquors. Exposure to methanol results from direct consumption or if found accidentally in bar drinks.
Tourist Hotspot Affected
Nestled in one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations, landlocked Laos is a tourist hotspot. Particularly cherished by backpackers, Vang Vieng offers a blend of partying and adventure sports. This tragic incident has caused shockwaves in the community, worrying businesses in the vicinity.
Local Response
Neil Farmiloe, owner of the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in Vang Vieng, expressed his customers’ anxiety amidst the crisis. He expressed hope that this was a one-time incident, saddened by the unexpected chain of events.
Timeline of the Tragedy
The Australian victims — Bowles and Jones, who have now sadly passed away — began feeling unwell on November 13. Following their drinking spree, they missed their hostel checkout and were found in a state of illness. Emergency treatment in Thailand was sought for them, but the high levels of methanol in Jones’s system led to fatal brain swelling.
The hotel manager, Duong Duc Toan, reported that the victims had been part of a group enjoying free shots of Laotian vodka before leaving and returning in the early hours, sick. As this somber tale continues to unfold, the grieving families continue to look for answers amid the anguish.