Australian Teen Among Four Victims in Suspected Methanol Poisoning Incident in Laos

An Australian teenager, Bianca Jones, has tragically become the fourth individual to die in what authorities suspect is a mass methanol poisoning incident in Laos.

The 19-year-old passed away after consuming alcohol reportedly laced with methanol at a backpackers’ lodge in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination.

Her travel companion, Holly Bowles, remains in critical condition in a Bangkok hospital after drinking the same contaminated alcohol on November 12.

Holly’s father, Shaun Bowles, shared a brief update outside the hospital, stating, “Our daughter remains in intensive care on life support.

We appreciate the need for privacy during this challenging time as we focus on Holly’s recovery.”

International Victims Identified1

The incident has claimed the lives of multiple international tourists. Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department confirmed the death of a 58-year-old American man, who also reportedly consumed methanol-tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that two young women from Denmark are among the deceased.

A British woman, 28-year-old Simone White, is recovering in the hospital after being affected by the same suspected poisoning.

All the victims are believed to have ingested methanol, a toxic substance sometimes illicitly used as a substitute for ethanol in alcoholic beverages.

Family and National Tributes

Bianca’s grieving family issued a heartfelt statement on Wednesday, expressing their sorrow over her loss.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” the statement read. “She was surrounded by love, and her incredible spirit touched many lives during her time with us. We ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also addressed Bianca’s death in parliament, offering condolences to her family. “This is every parent’s worst fear—a nightmare no one should endure,” he said, hoping for Holly Bowles’ recovery.

Hostels and Alcohol Under Investigation

The manager of the hostel where the alcohol was served, Duong Duc Toan, defended his establishment, claiming the 40% Tiger Vodka provided to guests was sourced from a certified distributor.

He denied that either he or his staff had tampered with the alcohol, stating, “In eight years, this has never happened at the hostel.”

Despite his assertions, local authorities have ordered hostels, hotels, and bars in Vang Vieng to halt the sale of alcoholic beverages as investigations continue. Duong van Huan, the hostel owner, expressed confusion over the situation, saying, “All of the alcohol we sell is safe. We’ve never had complaints before.”

Tourists Exercise Caution

The incident has prompted other travellers in Vang Vieng, a hotspot for parties and adventure sports, to become more vigilant. Jasmine Antonius, a tourist from the Netherlands, remarked, “I think people often don’t pay close attention to how their drinks are made. This tragedy is a wake-up call, and I hope it encourages everyone to take more precautions.”

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the mass poisoning, urging caution while consuming alcohol in the region.