Laos methanol poisoning: Two tourists among four dead at gap year hotspot
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A teenager has lost their life after consuming contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos.
On Thursday, Australia's prime minister announced that one of its citizens had passed away. Additionally, the US State Department verified that an American was also among the deceased in the same popular party destination, raising the total number of fatalities in the poisoning case to four.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed the parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones passed away following her evacuation from Laos for medical care in a hospital in Thailand.
Her friend, who is also 19, is still in a hospital in Thailand.
While taking a break from their studies and traveling through Laos, they fell sick in the popular tourist destination of Vang Vieng. At the time, they were lodged at The Nana Backpacker Hostel.
A guide to Vang Vieng:
In the time leading up to her passing, Ms. Jones' family referred to her as their “guardian angel.”
"Bianca, our lovely friend, was enjoying a fantastic vacation with her close friend Holly," they shared with the Herald Sun.
They were overflowing with happiness, ready to embark on amazing journeys throughout Asia.
"We're gathered around Bianca, offering our prayers for her."
In the meantime, the State Department has verified that an American tourist has lost their life as well, but they stated that they won't provide any additional comments out of consideration for the families involved.
Mr. Albanese expressed to legislators, "This is the greatest fear for any parent, a horrifying experience that no one should have to go through." He also took a moment to acknowledge Bianca's friend, Holly Bowles, who is currently battling for her life.
Two Australian women became ill on November 13 after spending an evening out with friends. It is suspected that their drinks were contaminated with methanol, a substance that is sometimes improperly used as a substitute for alcohol in low-quality bars, potentially leading to serious poisoning or even death.
On Thursday, New Zealand's foreign affairs department announced that one of its nationals is sick in Laos and might be suffering from methanol poisoning. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Denmark's foreign ministry confirmed that two of its citizens had passed away in Laos due to the poisoning incident, but they did not share any additional information.
New Zealand's foreign ministry announced that they have revised their travel warning for Laos due to reports of possible methanol poisoning linked to alcoholic drinks. They recommend that travelers exercise caution when consuming alcoholic beverages, especially cocktails and spirits that might be mixed with dangerous additives.
