In brief
A 19-year-old Australian, Bianca Jones, has become the latest victim of suspected methanol poisoning, marking the fourth death tied to a disturbing trend in Laos. Confirmed by her family on Thursday, Jones's passing comes shortly after another American tourist's death in Vang Vieng.
Last week, two young Danish women, aged 19 and 20, also succumbed to the same fate, while reports indicate that Jones's friend, Holly Bowles, along with a British woman, are currently fighting for their lives in a hospital. The local police are actively investigating the cases, which suggest that the tourists may have consumed drinks unknowingly contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance frequently found in illicit alcohol.The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, stating that the Department of Foreign Affairs had confirmed the tragic news. "Our first thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss," he said. Similarly, the US State Department is keeping a close watch on the situation regarding its citizen who has died, leaving the determination of the cause of death to local authorities.In light of these events, both Australian and UK officials have cautioned travelers in Laos to exercise extreme caution when consuming alcohol, particularly in relation to the risk of methanol poisoning. The investigation into these tragic incidents continues as authorities work to ensure the safety of tourists in the region.
