An Australian teenager has become the sixth foreign tourist to die in a suspected methanol poisoning incident in Laos, prompting warnings from multiple countries about the dangers of tainted alcohol in the region.
The deaths occurred in the popular backpacker destination of Vang Vieng, a northern Laos town known for its party culture and adventure activities. Victims include two Australian teenagers, a British lawyer, an American, and two Danish nationals.
Tragic Deaths of Young Backpackers
Holly Bowles, 19, died after several days on life support in neighboring Thailand, where she was evacuated after falling critically ill in Laos. Her friend Bianca Jones, also 19, died on Thursday. Both were from Melbourne and had been traveling through Southeast Asia.
“Holly was living her best life, traveling through Southeast Asia, meeting new friends, and enjoying incredible experiences,” her family said in a statement.
The British victim, Simone White, 28, was a lawyer with a promising career. Her firm, Squire Patton Boggs, described her as having “a bright future ahead of her.”
The U.S. State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen but provided no further details. Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also confirmed the deaths of two Danish nationals, both female.
Suspected Cause: Methanol Poisoning
Laos’ state media reported that at least three of the deaths are believed to be linked to methanol-laced alcohol. The Lao News Agency stated that officials are collecting evidence and witness testimonies, with a full statement expected soon.
Methanol, a toxic chemical commonly used in industrial cleaning products, can be illegally added to counterfeit or homemade alcohol. Methanol poisoning can cause symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to respiratory failure and death.
Hostel Under Investigation
Police have detained the manager and owner of a hostel where the tourists were staying. Reports suggest that free shots of alcohol were offered to guests before the victims became ill. Authorities have not yet filed charges, but investigations are ongoing.
The women reportedly fell ill after a night out on November 11. According to Nine News, they remained in their room for 24 hours and failed to check out as scheduled. They were initially treated in a hospital in Laos before being transferred to Thailand for further care.
A History of Risk in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng, once infamous for its excessive partying and drug culture, attempted a rebranding in 2012 to focus on eco-tourism and adventure travel. Despite these efforts, the area remains a hotspot for alcohol-fueled tourism, and incidents of counterfeit or contaminated alcohol have persisted.
Methanol is often used in counterfeit alcoholic beverages to mimic the effects of ethanol, making it a cheap but deadly alternative. The British Foreign Office and U.S. health authorities have long warned travelers in the region to be cautious about consuming locally made or unregulated alcohol.
Families Demand Action
The families of the victims are calling for accountability. “We want to ensure no other family is forced to endure the anguish we are going through,” Jones’ family said in a statement.
This tragic incident has heightened awareness of the risks posed by unregulated alcohol in Southeast Asia, underscoring the importance of vigilance among travelers. International governments are urging their citizens to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic beverages in Laos and similar destinations.