A suspected methanol poisoning outbreak in Vang Vieng, Laos, has claimed its fourth sufferer, 19-year-old Australian vacationer Bianca Jones. Her household confirmed her dying on Thursday.
Earlier this week, the US State Division reported the dying of an American man in the identical city. Final week, two Danish girls, aged 19 and 20, additionally died underneath related circumstances.Ā Ā
Authorities are investigating the deaths, with studies suggesting that the victims could have consumed methanol-laced drinks, a poisonous substance typically present in unlawful alcohol.
Vacationers hospitalised
Along with the fatalities, a number of different vacationers have fallen unwell. Holly Bowles, a detailed pal of Jones, is on life assist in a Bangkok hospital. A British lady and a Dutch vacationer are additionally receiving medical therapy.
New Zealandās international ministry instructed native media that one among their residents was additionally unwell attributable to suspected methanol poisoning. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences to Jonesās household, describing the incident as āeach dad or mumās worst concernā. He additionally shared his hopes for Bowlesās restoration.
Police examine native hostel in Laos
Vang Vieng, a riverside city in central Laos, is a well-liked vacation spot for younger Western backpackers exploring Southeast Asia. It lies alongside the Banana Pancake Path, a well known backpacking route by Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
Jones and Bowles had been staying at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, which is now underneath police investigation. The hostelās supervisor revealed that over 100 company, together with the 2 Australians, had been served free pictures of Lao vodka throughout their keep.
No different company have reported well being points, however the hostel has since suspended its free drink choices.
Methanol poisoning: a rising concern
Methanol, a extremely poisonous substance, is typically added to alcohol as a less expensive different to ethanol. Consuming methanol may cause extreme poisoning, resulting in sickness or dying.
Comparable instances of methanol poisoning have brought about mass fatalities in international locations like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, although such incidents hardly ever have an effect on vacationers.
Australian, New Zealand, and UK authorities have issued journey warnings, urging warning when consuming alcohol in Laos. Investigations into the reason for the deaths and diseases are underway.
(With inputs from BBC)
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