An American, two Danes and an Australian tourist have died after drinking contaminated alcohol in Laos, after reports of several people falling ill in a town popular with backpackers.
The identity of the only victim so far made public is Bianca Jones, 19, from Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in Parliament on Thursday that Jones died after being evacuated from Vang Vieng, Laos, for treatment at a hospital in Thailand. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalized in neighboring Thailand.
“This is every parent's worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese said, according to the Associated Press. “We would also like to take this opportunity to say that we are thinking of Bianca's friend Holly Bowles, who is fighting for Bianca's life.”
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Notice posted at the bar of Nana Backpack Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Sean Bowles told reporters outside a Bangkok hospital on Wednesday that his daughter remained in critical condition and on life support.
“I would like to thank everyone at home for all the support and love we are receiving,” he said. “But we also want people to understand that we need privacy to spend as much time as possible with Holly right now.”
According to Australian media, Jones is the fourth foreign tourist to die after consuming contaminated alcohol.
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A man plays pool at Nana Backpack Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, November 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
“The doctor who examined her said the cause of death was methanol poisoning due to fake alcohol,” Pattanawong Champon, a Thai city police official, told Reuters. “Her brain was swollen because of the high amount of methanol in her body.”
Counterfeit alcohol is a problem in Laos, and the Australian and British governments are warning people to be careful when drinking in Laos.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methanol is a toxic alcohol that is used industrially as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source.
Foreign tourists enjoy drinks at the Nana Backpack Hostel nightclub in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, November 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
The U.S. State Department did not respond to Fox News Digital's inquiry, but told The Associated Press that local authorities were investigating the incident and would be responsible for providing details. The State Department noted that the United States is providing consular assistance.
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“At this time, I would like to say to parents and young people: Let's talk about the risks, let's inform ourselves and let's work together to prevent this tragedy from happening again,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said. Death of Jones.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this request.
