A second Australian teenager has died from suspected methanol poisoning, increasing the total number of foreign tourists who have died after reportedly consuming contaminated alcohol in Laos to six.
The owner of the backpacker hostel where the two young Australians had been staying prior to their severe illness has been detained by police for questioning, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Holly Bowles, 19, has been confirmed dead at Bangkok Hospital in Thailand, more than a week after she fell ill in the tourist town of Vang Vieng. Her family expressed their heartbreak over her passing.
Her friend, Bianca Jones, also 19, along with 28-year-old British lawyer Simone White from London, were confirmed dead on Thursday. Additionally, an unnamed American man and two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, are among the suspected poisoning victims.
Holly’s family released a statement on Friday, noting that they find solace in the joy and happiness she brought to many. They highlighted that she was living her best life while traveling through Southeast Asia, making new friends and enjoying remarkable experiences when she fell ill.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed condolences in a statement, saying, “All Australians will be heartbroken by the tragic passing of Holly Bowles.” She also mentioned that Holly had lost her best friend, Bianca Jones, just the day before.
Both Australians were hospitalized in Vientiane on November 13 after they failed to check out of their hostel in Vang Vieng, located about two hours north of the Lao capital. As their conditions deteriorated, they were transferred to hospitals in Thailand, with Bianca going to Udon Thani and Holly to Bangkok.
The Nana Backpacker Hostel, where they were staying, reported having given out free vodka shots to approximately 100 guests on the night of November 12. The hostel’s manager indicated to the Associated Press that no other guests had become ill and suggested that those affected may have consumed tainted drinks from another bar in the area.
Australian officials are calling on Lao authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incidents, although details remain scarce at this time. The Lao state-run news agency KPL indicated on Friday that authorities are collecting evidence and witness statements regarding the suspected “consumption of tainted alcoholic beverages,” with an official statement expected soon.
Counterfeit alcoholic beverages and homemade spirits are a significant issue in Laos, prompting Australia and Britain to advise their citizens to exercise caution when consuming drinks there. The US embassy in Laos also issued a warning for American citizens to remain vigilant against methanol poisoning in spirit-based drinks, advising them to purchase from licensed vendors and to check for signs of tampering or counterfeiting.
Methanol, a toxic alcohol commonly found in industrial and household products like antifreeze, photocopier fluids, and paint thinner, is sometimes used in low-quality home brews despite its dangers to human health.
