Official announcements from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Four Tourists Die in Vang Vieng Methanol Poisoning; Australian Teen Dies, Second Critical

Nov 21, 2024, 05:00 AM

A suspected mass methanol poisoning in the Laotian tourist town of Vang Vieng has resulted in the deaths of at least four foreign tourists and left up to 14 others severely ill. The victims include two Danish women, an American man, and 19-year-old Australian teenager Bianca Jones, whose family confirmed her death. Another Australian teenager, Holly Bowles, remains on life support in a Thai hospital. British tourists are also among those hospitalized, including a 28-year-old British lawyer. The poisoning is believed to have occurred after the tourists consumed methanol-laced drinks, including free shots offered at a bar or hostel linked to organized crime. Friends reported the Melbourne teenagers complained they "couldn't breathe" when seeking help. The Australian government has updated travel advice for Laos. Authorities are investigating the source of the contaminated alcohol, which has led to a total of four deaths and numerous hospitalizations.