A suspected methanol poisoning outbreak in Vang Vieng, Laos, has claimed its fourth sufferer, 19-year-old Australian vacationer Bianca Jones. Her household confirmed her demise on Thursday.
Earlier this week, the US State Division reported the demise of an American man in the identical city. Final week, two Danish ladies, aged 19 and 20, additionally died below related circumstances.
Authorities are investigating the deaths, with stories suggesting that the victims might have consumed methanol-laced drinks, a poisonous substance usually present in unlawful alcohol.
Vacationers hospitalised
Along with the fatalities, a number of different vacationers have fallen ailing. Holly Bowles, an in depth pal of Jones, is on life help in a Bangkok hospital. A British girl and a Dutch vacationer are additionally receiving medical therapy.
New Zealand’s overseas ministry advised native media that one in all their residents was additionally unwell attributable to suspected methanol poisoning. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences to Jones’s household, describing the incident as “each father or mother’s worst worry”. He additionally shared his hopes for Bowles’s restoration.
Police examine native hostel in Laos
Vang Vieng, a riverside city in central Laos, is a well-liked vacation spot for younger Western backpackers exploring Southeast Asia. It lies alongside the Banana Pancake Path, a widely known backpacking route via Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
Jones and Bowles had been staying at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, which is now below police investigation. The hostel’s supervisor revealed that over 100 company, together with the 2 Australians, had been served free photographs of Lao vodka throughout their keep.
No different company have reported well being points, however the hostel has since suspended its free drink choices.
Methanol poisoning: a rising concern
Methanol, a extremely poisonous substance, is usually added to alcohol as a less expensive different to ethanol. Consuming methanol could cause extreme poisoning, resulting in sickness or demise.
Related instances of methanol poisoning have induced mass fatalities in international locations like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, although such incidents not often have an effect on vacationers.
Australian, New Zealand, and UK authorities have issued journey warnings, urging warning when consuming alcohol in Laos. Investigations into the reason for the deaths and sicknesses are underway.
(With inputs from BBC)
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