An Australian teenager has died after consuming tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, bringing the total death toll from the poisoning incident to four. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that 19-year-old Bianca Jones passed away after being evacuated to a Thai hospital for treatment. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalized in Thailand.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed the death of an American tourist in the same location but refrained from providing further details out of respect for the families involved. “This is every parent’s worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese stated, expressing condolences for Jones’s friend, Holly Bowles, who is currently fighting for her life.
Jones and Bowles fell ill on November 13 after a night out with friends, believed to have consumed methanol-tainted drinks, commonly found in disreputable bars. Methanol can cause severe poisoning or death when ingested.
New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry reported that one of its citizens is also unwell in Laos, potentially linked to the methanol poisoning. Denmark’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the deaths of two of its citizens but provided no further details.
In light of the incidents, New Zealand has updated its travel advisory for Laos, warning travelers to exercise caution with alcoholic beverages, particularly cocktails that may be adulterated with harmful substances.
+ There are no comments
Add yours