Four tourists – an Australian, an American, and two Danes – have died after consuming alcohol tainted with methanol in Vang Vieng, Laos, a popular backpacker destination, The Associated Press reports.
A New Zealander is also reportedly unwell, and several others are believed to have been affected by the suspected methanol poisoning.
Nineteen-year-old Australian Bianca Jones died after being evacuated to a Thai hospital following a night out in Vang Vieng on November 13. Her 19-year-old friend, Holly Bowles, remains hospitalized in Thailand and is fighting for her life, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described the situation as “every parent’s very worst fear.” Thai authorities confirmed Jones’ death was due to “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.”
The US State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen in Vang Vieng, and Denmark’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged the deaths of two Danish nationals in the incident. While neither country directly linked the deaths to methanol poisoning, the Australian government explicitly said that “several foreign nationals” were victims of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos this month. New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry has also confirmed a citizen is unwell in Laos and may be a victim of the poisoning.
Methanol, a toxic alcohol, is sometimes illegally added to drinks as a cheaper alternative to ethanol. The incident highlights concerns over the safety of alcohol sold in some establishments in Vang Vieng.
Australia has updated its travel advisory to warn of the suspected methanol poisoning incidents, while the U.S. has yet to issue an updated advisory. The Jones family has requested privacy during their time of grief.
