VANG VIENG, Laos — Authorities in Laos have taken into custody the owner and the manager of a hostel where two Australian teenagers were affected by alcohol poisoning, leading to one tragic death. Reports indicate that this incident may have resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals linked to similar circumstances.
An unnamed officer from the local Tourism Police confirmed that several individuals have been detained, but no formal charges have been filed as of yet. Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which is still operational but not taking in new guests, acknowledged that both the owner and manager were being questioned by the police.
In Southeast Asia, tourist police offices exist to assist foreigners in distress, including in cases involving tourist incidents. On Friday, the U.S. State Department issued a health alert for its citizens traveling through Laos, highlighting the risks of suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, specifically linked to drinking contaminated alcoholic beverages. This warning follows similar advisories from other countries whose citizens have been affected.
The Prime Minister of Australia shared that a 19-year-old Australian had succumbed to her condition in a Thai hospital, to which she was airlifted for urgent treatment. There are also reports that her friend is currently in critical condition in the hospital. Additionally, a 28-year-old British woman is reported to have died from probable methanol poisoning in Laos, as confirmed by the British Foreign Office.
The situation has escalated, with reports of an American and two Danish tourists also losing their lives, although the exact causes of their deaths remain undisclosed. Laos is known for its strict social control and limited transparency, making it challenging to obtain clear information regarding the ongoing investigation into these tragic events.
When inquiries were made, the Foreign Ministry deflected questions, and local health officials at a small hospital in Vang Vieng were reluctant to provide any details regarding the cases due to a lack of authorization.
Methanol, often mixed into drinks at unscrupulous bars as a cheaper substitute for ethanol, poses significant health hazards and can lead to severe health complications or death. It might also unintentionally enter bar drinks from poorly distilled home-brewed liquor.
Laos, a landlocked and economically challenged nation in Southeast Asia, is frequently visited by tourists, particularly in vibrant areas like Vang Vieng, known for its nightlife and adventure tourism.
Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who operates the Kiwi Kitchen in the area, expressed concern among his patrons regarding the alarming event. “I think this kind of incident is unprecedented, and hopefully, it will remain an isolated occurrence,” he remarked, reflecting on the somber nature of the situation. He has been a resident of Vang Vieng for 20 years and emphasized that the intent was never to harm, but sadly, unfortunate incidents have occurred.
It’s been over a week since the two Australian women fell ill on November 13, shortly after a night of drinking with acquaintances. They were scheduled to check out from the Nana Backpacker Hostel but were found unwell in their room, prompting their transportation to Thailand for emergency care. One of the women, Bianca Jones, passed away, while her companion, Holly Bowles, continues to fight for her health in a critical care unit.
Thai authorities authenticated that Jones’s cause of death was cerebral swelling due to elevated methanol levels in her bloodstream. Prior to his detention, Duong Duc Toan, the manager of the hostel, mentioned that the two friends had joined other guests for complimentary shots of local Laotian vodka on the night in question before later returning home in the early morning hours.
Additionally, reports indicate that 28-year-old Simone White from Britain has also succumbed to suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. Furthermore, New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry has acknowledged that one of its citizens is among those affected by suspected methanol poisoning in Laos.