Among 4 American tourists who died after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos party town

VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — An Australian teenager died Thursday after drinking tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, which the Australian prime minister described as every parent’s nightmare, and the U.S. State Department confirmed that an American also died in the same party town. increased the death toll to 4.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones died after being evacuated from Laos for treatment in a Thai hospital. His 19-year-old friend continues to receive treatment in hospital in Thailand.

“This is every parent’s worst fear and a nightmare no one should have to endure,” Albanese said. “We also take this moment to say that we are also thinking of Bianca’s friend, Holly Bowles, who is fighting for her life.”

In a statement to the Melbourne Herald Sun, Jones’ family asked for privacy.

“He was surrounded by love and we take comfort in knowing that his incredible spirit touched so many lives during his time with us,” the family wrote.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love and prayers we have received from across Australia.”

The State Department confirmed in an emailed statement to The Associated Press that an American tourist also died but said it had no further comment out of respect for the family.

He said local authorities were investigating the matter and the United States was providing consular assistance.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family for their loss,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Phone numbers for the Laotian Ministry of Health did not work and police declined to comment.

Landlocked Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries and a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng is especially popular with backpackers looking for parties and adventure sports.

Details of the alcohol poisoning began to emerge about a week after two Australian women fell ill following a night out drinking with a group in the remote town on November 13.

These individuals are believed to have consumed beverages containing methanol, which is sometimes used as alcohol in mixed drinks at disreputable bars and can cause serious poisoning or death.

Thai authorities confirmed that Jones died of “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol in his system.”

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said after receiving news of Jones’ death: “Spiking and methanol poisoning are very common in many parts of the world.”

“To parents and young people right now, please talk about the risks, please inform yourself, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again.”

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that one of its citizens in Laos was also unwell and may have been a victim of methanol poisoning. Asked about the poisoning, Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday that two of its citizens had died in Laos but did not provide further details.

“We have updated our travel advice for Laos to note that there have been several cases of suspected methanol poisoning following consumption of alcoholic beverages,” New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

“Travelers are advised to be careful about consuming alcoholic beverages, especially cocktails and drinks made with spirits mixed with harmful substances.”

The United States did not immediately issue an updated travel warning.

On Tuesday, Duong Duc Toan, manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel where the two Australian women were staying in Vang Vieng, told the AP that staff were told by other guests that the two women were upset because they did not check out as planned on Nov. 2. 13 and they arranged transportation for them to a hospital.

The women were then transported to Thailand for emergency medical treatment and their parents were flown with them.

“All Australians offer our deepest condolences at this time of heartbreak,” Albanese said.

“Bianca’s trip should have been an enjoyable time and a source of fond memories for years to come,” he said. “It’s a shame it didn’t happen.”

___

The rises were reported from Bangkok. Jutarat Skulpichetrat in Bangkok, Rod McGuirk in Melbourne, Australia, and Charlotte Graham-McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this story.

Related Posts