Six tourists died in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng in Laos, allegedly after drinking alcohol spiked with methanol.
A dozen tourists fell ill on November 12th, after a night outno Laosand several were hospitalized in neighboring Thailand.
Vang Vieng is a city in northwestern Laos that was once known for jungle parties popular among young visitors, but has recently attempted to transform its image as a destination for ecotourism.
Authorities in several Western countries regularly warn their citizens about the risks of methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol in Laos.
Six of these tourists already died allegedly due to alcohol with methanol.
Methanol is an alcohol used in the manufacture of antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, varnish or photocopier ink. Can be added to drinks to increase the alcohol level and reduce the pricebut can cause blindness, liver damage and death.
Holly Bowlesa 19-year-old Australian, is the last known victim – confirmed this Friday morning.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister of Australia had already announced, in parliament, the death of Bianca Jonesalso 19 years old and friends with Holly Bowles.
The two tourists, originally from Melbourne, began to feel unwell at the Nana Backpackers guesthouse, in Vang Vieng, where they were staying, according to Australian media.
The inn staff took them to the hospital on November 13th.
Simone Whitea 28-year-old lawyer from Kent, southeast England, had been identified as the fifth victim by British media on Thursday night.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is supporting the family of a British woman who died in Laos, without revealing her identity.
The other victims are two Danes and a North Americanaccording to the respective governments, which do not specify the causes of death.
The US State Department has issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through consumption of alcoholic beverages laced with methanol,” following similar warnings from other countries.
Several detained in Laos
A Vang Vieng tourism police officer, who declined to be named, said today that “several people” were detained within the scope of the case, but no charges have yet been filed.
Lao police detained the manager and owner of a hostel where the two Australian teenagers who died allegedly after drinking alcohol adulterated with methanol stayed, according to police authorities.
The employees of the Nana Backpacker Hostelwhich was still operating but was not accepting new guests, confirmed that the manager and owner were among those detained for questioning.
