At a well-known adventure destination in Laos, where methanol-tainted alcohol has been linked to a recent wave of poisonings, one American national passed away.
According to the State Department, the U.S. national passed away in Vang Vieng, a backpacker-friendly hamlet north of Vientiane, the capital of the Southeast Asian nation. On Thursday, a representative told NBC News, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family on their loss.”
To show respect for the family, the spokesperson did not disclose the victim’s identity or the cause of death.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid respects to 19-year-old Bianca Jones and her friend Holly Bowles, who both passed away in Thailand after being airlifted from Vang Vieng for medical treatment.
In a speech to the Australian Parliament, Albanese stated, “Our first thoughts at this time are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss.” No one should have to live through this experience, which is every parent’s greatest nightmare.
Bowles was battling for her life, he added.
The Associated Press was informed by Thai authorities that Jones’ death was caused by swelling of the brain as a result of excessive methanol levels in her system.
In a statement released on Thursday, Denmark’s Foreign Affairs Ministry reported that two of its nationals had also lost their lives in Laos. When asked if methanol poisoning was the cause of their death, it declined to reply, citing confidentially.
The foreign ministry of New Zealand also reported that one of its residents, who was ill and might have been a victim of methanol poisoning in Laos, had called its embassy in Bangkok, which also oversees Laos.
Although it did not specify if methanol was a factor, Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated on Thursday that it was assisting the family of a British woman who had passed away in Laos.
On Wednesday, the United Kingdom released a travel advice for Laos. If offered, especially for free, or while purchasing spirit-based beverages, you should exercise caution. Do not drink if the labeling, taste, or smell appear off, it said.
Foreign visitors have long been warned by authorities in Laos, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, about contaminated drinks at pubs and nightclubs.
Drinks containing methanol, which dishonest bar owners employ to boost their volume, have already caused the deaths of several tourists who contracted methanol poisoning.
After Jones and Bowles became unwell on November 13 during a night out drinking with a party in the isolated town of Vang Vieng, reports of the mass poisoning there started to surface last week.
Duong Duc Toan, the manager of the Nana Backpacker hostel, one of the most well-known in the neighborhood, told the AP that the youngsters were ill after they did not check out on November 13 as scheduled. He claimed to have made arrangements for their transportation to the hospital.
The two adolescents were among the almost 100 guests who received free shots of Lao vodka as a welcoming gesture from the hostel, he claimed, adding that no other visitors had complained about any problems. Then, early that morning, Bowles and Jones left and came back.
After being airlifted to Thailand, where her parents rushed in from Australia, Jones remained in critical condition for a few days.
I strongly urge parents and young people to please have a conversation about the hazards, said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in a statement posted on Instagram, expressing her sadness at the incident.
In its latest travel recommendations for Laos, Australia and New Zealand are cautioning their people about drinking alcohol.
The State Department of the United States has not done the same.
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