VANG VIENG, Laos (AP) — Six Australian teenagers have died as a result of the mass poisoning of international tourists. Her family said Friday that a second Australian youngster who became seriously ill after consuming tainted beer in Laos passed away in a Bangkok hospital.
More than a week after the poisoning in Laos, 19-year-old Holly Bowles was critically ill and on life support.
Holly’s family made a statement to Australian Network 10 and other Australian media, saying, “We are very sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace.” Knowing that Holly made so many people happy and joyful gives us peace and comfort.
Several persons have been arrested in connection with the case, but no charges have been brought against them, an officer at the Vang Vieng Tourism Police office told The Associated Press on Friday, declining to provide his name. The manager and owner were among those arrested for interrogation, according to staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which was still open but not taking any new visitors.
In Southeast Asia, tourist police offices are widespread and established especially to assist with problems involving visitors and other foreign nationals.
This photo shows the exterior of Bangkok Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Image: Sakchai Lalit/Associated Press
Following similar warnings from other nations whose nationals were implicated, the U.S. State Department on Friday issued a health notice for citizens visiting in Laos, warning of potential methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, perhaps due to the ingestion of alcoholic drinks spiked with methanol.
The prime minister of Australia declared on Thursday that her friend Bowles was still in the hospital, struggling for her life, while Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian, had passed away in a Thai hospital after being evacuated for emergency care. According to the British Foreign Office, Simone White, a British woman of 28 years old, also passed away in Laos from what was believed to be methanol poisoning.
Details on the causes of death have not been made public, however two Danish visitors and an American also perished.
According to the Foreign Ministry of New Zealand, one of its nationals became ill in Laos and may have had methanol poisoning.
The government of Laos tightly controls information, and the country is a one-party communist state without a formal opposition. Nearly no information has been made public by officials in this instance.
In Vang Vieng, the small hospital where some of the victims are thought to have received first treatment referred all inquiries to the town’s health office on the hospital grounds, and the Foreign Ministry declined to respond. Due to a lack of authorization, the town’s health officials declined to comment.
At shady bars, methanol is occasionally added to mixed cocktails as a less expensive substitute for ethanol, although it can result in fatalities or serious poisoning. Additionally, it is a result of improperly distilled homebrew liquor and may have unintentionally ended up in bar beverages.
One of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, landlocked Laos is also a well-liked travel destination. In particular, backpackers looking for adventure sports and partying love Vang Vieng.
Many of his patrons were really concerned about the tragedy, according to Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who manages the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in town.
Farmiloe, who has spent 20 years living in Vang Vieng, stated, “I believe it has never happened before, so hopefully it is just a one-off incident.” It’s really depressing everywhere. Although I’m sure no one meant to hurt anyone, it did happen.
The two Australian ladies, both now deceased, were 19 years old when they became ill on November 13 after spending the night drinking with a group.
They were discovered ill in their room after failing to check out of the Nana Backpacker Hostel as scheduled, and they were subsequently transported to Thailand for immediate medical attention.
Authorities in Thailand verified that Jones’ death was caused by swelling of the brain as a result of excessive methanol levels in her system.
The day before his arrest, Nana Backpacker Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan told the AP that the two women had gone out for free shots of Laotian vodka with other guests, then left and returned early the next morning.
___
Bangkok reported a rise.
The Associated Press, 2024. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. It is prohibited to publish, broadcast, rewrite, or redistribute this content without authorization.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!