A second Australian teenager has died after falling critically ill from drinking tainted alcohol in Laos, bringing the total number of dead tourists to six, while Laotian authorities have detained the manager and the owner of a hostel where the two dead Australian teenagers stayed.
Nineteen-year-old Holly Bowles had been battling for her life in a Bangkok hospital for several days after suffering poisoning in Laos more than a week ago. Her condition was described as critical in the days before her death.
Bowles’ friend and fellow Australian Bianca Jones, also 19, succumbed earlier this week. Additionally, a British woman, an American man, and two Danish tourists have died, following reports of several individuals falling ill in the Laotian town of Vang Vieng.
Australian Network 10 issued a short statement from the Bowles family, saying “we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace.”
Team profile photos of Melbourne women Holly Bowles (left) and Bianca Jones (right) from Beaumaris Football Club. On Thursday, Jones died in a Thai hospital after becoming ill from methanol poisoning in the neighboring country of Laos. Bowles died on Friday in a hospital in Bangkok.
Beaumaris Football Club
What Are Police Doing About the Methanol Poisonings in Laos?
An officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office, speaking anonymously, said on Friday that several individuals have been detained in connection with the case, though no charges have been filed yet. Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which remains operational but is not accepting new guests, confirmed that both the manager and owner are among those who have been taken in for questioning.
Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who owns the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in town, said a lot of his customers were very worried about the incident.
“I think it’s never happened before, so it is hopefully just a one-off incident,” said Farmiloe, who has lived in Vang Vieng for 20 years. “It’s very sad all around. I’m sure nobody intended to cause injury, but it’s happened.”
Tourists talk to a bar owner in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Laotian authorities have detained the manager and the owner of a hostel where the two dead Australian teenagers stayed.
Anupam Nath/AP
What Has the U.S. Done to Protect Tourists in Laos?
On Friday, the U.S. State Department issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks,” following similar alerts from the other countries whose citizens have been involved.
Laos operates as a one-party communist state, maintaining strict control over information and lacking organized political opposition. In this case, officials have provided minimal details. The Foreign Ministry has declined to comment, and in Vang Vieng, the hospital where some of the poisoned tourists were reportedly first treated directed all inquiries to the town’s health office located on the hospital premises. However, town health officials also refrained from commenting, citing the absence of proper authorization.
Tourists eat food at a hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. A second Australian teenager has died after falling critically ill from drinking tainted alcohol in Laos bringing the total number of dead tourists to six.
Anupam Nath/AP
What Is Methanol Poisoning?
Methanol, a toxic chemical, is sometimes added to mixed drinks in disreputable bars as a cheaper substitute for ethanol, despite the significant risks of severe poisoning or death. It can also be a byproduct of improperly distilled home-brew liquor, which may inadvertently end up in bar drinks.
Laos, a landlocked nation and one of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries, remains a popular tourist destination. The town of Vang Vieng, in particular, is a hotspot for backpackers drawn by its lively party scene and adventure sports offerings.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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