2024 Laos methanol poisoning
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. |
| Location | Vang Vieng, Laos |
|---|---|
| Cause | Suspected methanol poisoning |
| Deaths | 4 |
| Non-fatal injuries | ~10 |
In November 2024, four people died from a suspected methanol poisoning at a bar in Laos. Two Danish women, an Australian woman and an American have died as a result of consuming contaminated alcohol while 10 others are seriously ill.[1][2] The incident occurred at a hostel in Vang Vieng, a well-known destination for backpackers.[3] The incident also left around ten tourists hospitalised, including a Dutch woman[4] and a British national.[5][6]
Authorities linked the poisoning to the illicit production of alcohol containing methanol, a toxic substance. Following the event, the implicated hostel deactivated its online presence and ceased accepting bookings. Methanol poisoning incidents in Southeast Asia have raised concerns about safety regulations and enforcement in tourist hubs.[7]
The owner of Nana Hostel, Duong van Huan, stated that he never added methanol to the drinks at the bar, and that the local police checked alcohol at the hostel and its suppliers.[8]
Background
[edit]Methanol can be illegally added to alcohol as a cheaper alternative, usually in countries with weak liquor laws. Methanol is not for human consumption but is indistinguishable from ethanol, the substance which makes a drink alcoholic.[9]
Victims
[edit]Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones
[edit]19-year-olds Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones from Melbourne, Australia were staying at the Nana Hostel in Vang Vieng. The pair went out drinking at a nearby bar on 12 November 2024 and were taken to a hospital in Vientiane the following morning. Bowles was taken to the Bangkok Hospital in Thailand where she remains on life support. Jones was taken to the Udon Thani Hospital in Thailand were she eventually passed away.[8]
Danish victims
[edit]Danish authorities confirmed that two Danish women aged 19 and 20 died from the incident but have not share further information due to confidentiality concerns.[7]
American victim
[edit]The US State Department confirmed the death of an American national but have not provided further details about the victim.[2]
Reaction
[edit]Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed Australian parliament stating "This is every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure... we also take this moment to say that we're thinking of Bianca's friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life".[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Abbott, Lachlan (21 November 2024). "'A terrible and cruel loss': Melbourne woman dies after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos". The Age. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ a b "28yo lawyer newest victim in mass poisoning". News.com.au. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Vierde toerist sterft door vergiftigde alcohol in Laos, Nederlands slachtoffer mag ziekenhuis uit". Algemeen Dagblad (in Danish). 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Toeristen in Laos dood door vergiftigde alcohol: Nederlander in ziekenhuis, ministerie waarschuwt". Algemeen Dagblad (in Danish). 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Melbourne teen Bianca Jones dies, Holly Bowles still fighting for life after methanol poisoning in Laos". ABC News (Australia). 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Four tourists die after suspected Laos methanol poisoning". France 24. Agence France-Presse. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ a b Ewe, Koh; Jirenuwat, Ryn (21 November 2024). "Laos methanol poisoning: Australian teen the fourth tourist to die". BBC. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ a b Day, Lauren; Brown, Melissa; Vallance, Syan (19 November 2024). "Teens were on 'incredible adventure' through Asia before apparent methanol poisoning in Laos". ABC News (Australia). Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ Alfonso-Gregorio, Nikki (20 November 2024). "Methanol poisoning: How risky are our drinks and how can you protect yourself?". SBS News. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Deaths of 4 tourists, including an American, linked to drinking tainted alcohol in Laos – CBS News". CBS News. Agence France-Presse. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.