Fourth Tourist Dies In Laos After Suspected Methanol Poisoning

Australian teenager Bianca Jones has become the fourth tourist to die in a suspected mass poisoning incident in Laos.

The 19-year-old’s family confirmed her death to the media on Thursday. Earlier, the US State Department reported the death of an American man in the popular tourist destination of Vang Vieng. Two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, also passed away last week in Laos, authorities confirmed. Meanwhile, Jones’ friend, Holly Bowles, and a British woman are reportedly on life support in hospital.

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The deaths are under investigation, but reports from other tourists and evidence suggest the victims may have consumed drinks contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance commonly found in illicit alcohol.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences, confirming the Department of Foreign Affairs had notified him of Jones’ death.

“Our hearts are with her family and friends, who are enduring an unimaginable loss,” Albanese said on Thursday. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare.”

He added that he hoped Bowles, who is being treated at a hospital in Bangkok, would make a full recovery.

The US State Department stated that it was “closely monitoring” the situation concerning the American tourist’s death and emphasized that local authorities would determine the cause of death.

Authorities from Australia and the UK have issued warnings about the dangers of methanol poisoning in Laos, urging citizens to exercise caution when consuming alcohol.

Nana Backpacker Hostel, where Jones and Bowles had stayed in Vang Vieng, has been closed for a police investigation. The hostel’s manager told the Associated Press that the two women were among more than 100 guests who had received free shots of Lao vodka. Afterward, they went out for the night, and no other guests reported health problems. The manager hopes the investigation will clear the hostel’s name, but said they have suspended offering free shots for the time being.

In a statement to the Herald Sun, Jones’ family thanked the Australian public for their “overwhelming support, love, and prayers.” They requested privacy as they mourn and begin to heal.