Tragic Incident in Laos: Fourth Tourist Dies from Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos
Lao’s Suspected Methanol Poisoning Incident Takes Four Lives Including An Australian Teen
Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian citizen has sadly emerged as the fourth tourist to die in Laos, following a suspected case of mass methanol poisoning. Her family confirmed the tragic news shortly after another American man lost his life in the tourist favorite Vang Vieng. Reports mention that the results of consuming methanol spiked beverages have killed four individuals, and a few more on standby with six British national tourists who became sick about a week ago. This worrying development has raised fears regarding the safety of the region.
The unfortunate news about the death of two Danish women aged 19 and 20, and a 56-year-old American man, has prompted the authorities in Laos to look into the possibilities of mass poisoning. The illness which is believed to be caused by bootlegged whiskey spiked with methanol has raised tourism safety concerns. Furthermore, it has been reported that 19-year-old Australian Bianca Jones was the fourth victim. Danish officials have refused to comment owing to strict laws on confidentiality but other travelers have taken to cyberspace with account of the ugly history of drinks being spiked.
Shocking Developments: Reports Blames Death of Bianca Jones on Methanol Poisoning
It has been confirmed by her family that Bianca Jones has passed away, which has left her friends and close family devastated. One other friend, Holly Bowles, remains on life support after requesting medical assistance at their hostel, which is Nana’s Backpackers Hostel. Currently, a British national is also in the hospital and New Zealand’s foreign ministry is reporting that one of its citizens is sick with suspected Methanol poisoning. How bad this situation is being contained is a mystery and anxiety is rising as to how many more may have been affected.
Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, expressed his devastation at the sad demise of Jones, saying it was “a loss most callous”. While extending solace, he remarked, “This is the most dreadful experience for any parent and one that no one ought to ever go through.” The family also mourned together with them – saying “She was loved, and we are grateful to know that her beautiful spirit was in many lives.” They went on to thank everyone who offered their support, love, and prayers which came from all over the continent of Australia bringing the country together to mourn such a great loss.
The governments of the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand have issued health advisories against the risk of methanol poisoning while in Laos, especially with regard to the intake of alcohol. In this case, a 28-year-old Simone White from Orpington in Kent is one of the affected persons, having been left incapacitated in the backpacker’s paradise place of Vang Vieng. Her friend, who is called Bethany Clarke, has taken up the post at this urgent call and has shared quite a lot on her social media accounts. On the other hand, the United States State Department is waiting to hear the outcome of an ongoing case of an American citizen who has become a victim, whereas why the death has occurred is left to the local officials to establish. In another development, Ms. Bowles remains on admission at a hospital in Bangkok as fears of unsafe drinking alcohol linger in the public.
Methanol is one of the common adulterants found in place for bootleg alcoholic drinks. This toxic chemical is known to have resulted in economic and human disasters in several countries. Earlier this year, methanol poisonings made the news again after several individuals who consumed methanol fluid drinks in India died of complications. Similar incidences were also reported in the Philippines and Perm. The menace also reached Vang Vieng a trekking utopia in Laos where local spirits made some of the travelers sick. A New Zealand tourist went on to say, “Do not drink any local spirits. There are six of us in the hospital with methanol poisoning after being offered free shots at a pub.” Authorities are warning the public as the risk of methanol poisoning is still prevalent.