Four Tourists Die from Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos*

BANGKOK, Nov 21 — Four foreign tourists, including two Australians, two Danes, and an American, have died after suspected methanol poisoning from drinking tainted alcohol at a backpacker hotspot in Laos.

Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian, was the latest confirmed victim, with her friend Holly Bowles fighting for her life in a Bangkok hospital. Both women fell ill after a night out in Vang Vieng on November 12. Meanwhile, two Danish citizens and an American also perished after consuming the same alcohol.

The group of tourists, who were staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel, became unwell and failed to check out on November 13. Hostel staff rushed them to a hospital, but tragically, Jones did not survive.

The Vietnamese manager of the hostel is under investigation, but no charges have been filed yet.

Methanol, often added to liquor to increase potency, can cause severe health issues including blindness, liver damage, and death. Authorities in Australia and the UK warn travelers about the risk of methanol poisoning in Laos.

This tragic incident follows similar deaths in Thailand from methanol-laced bootleg alcohol earlier this year.