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Six tourists, including an American, have died in Laos from suspected alcohol poisoning. The victims, who also include two Australians, a Briton, and two Danes, fell ill after consuming alcohol believed to be tainted with methanol. The U.S. State Department has issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of the potential risk of methanol poisoning.
The victims were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos. The hostel's manager and owner have been detained for questioning, but no charges have been filed yet, according to an officer at Vang Vieng's Tourism Police office. The hostel is still operating but is not accepting new guests.
Among the victims was 19-year-old Australian Holly Bowles, who died in a Bangkok hospital after being critically ill for over a week. Her family said in a statement, "We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace. We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people."
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a byproduct of wood distillation and is frequently used as fuel and in products such as antifreeze and solvents. It is sometimes added to mixed drinks at disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol but can cause severe poisoning or death. It is also a byproduct of poorly distilled homebrew liquor and could have found its way into bar drinks inadvertently.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of alcoholic beverages in Laos, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Vang Vieng. The U.S. State Department's alert advises travelers to be cautious of suspected methanol-laced alcoholic drinks.
The incident has led to health alerts from other countries whose citizens were involved, and the Australian prime minister has also confirmed the death of another 19-year-old citizen, Bianca Jones, in the suspected poisoning.