Sixth young tourist dies in suspected mass alcohol-poisoning case in Laos
Another young tourist on Friday died in hospital after being subject to suspected alcohol poisoning during a night out in Laos, bringing the total death toll to six. The Laotian government has expressed its “sincere sympathy and deepest condolences” to the victims’ families and has promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. In all, about a dozen tourists fell ill or died after drinking alcohol authorities believe was laced with methane.
A second young Australian tourist died in a Thai hospital on Friday, bringing the death toll related to suspected methanol poisoning during a night out in a Laos backpacker hotspot to six.
Two Danish citizens, an American and a Briton have also died after what media described as a night out in adventure town Vang Vieng.
The group of about a dozen tourists became ill after going out on November 12, according to British and Australian media.
“All Australians will be heartbroken by the tragic passing of Holly Bowles,” Australia foreign minister Penny Wong said in a statement.
“Just yesterday, Holly lost her best friend, Bianca Jones.”
“I know tonight all Australians will be holding both families in our hearts,” the foreign minister added.
Australian officials are now pressing Laotian authorities for a full and transparent investigation into what happened.
“The Government of the Lao PDR has been conducting investigations to find causes of the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law,” it said.
