Australian backpacker dies from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

Von WOM

An Australian teenager died and another young person fights for their lives after they had probably consumed alcohol in Laos. In the meantime, several countries have warned of numerous poisoning cases that are connected to a popular tourist area in the Southeast Asian country.

tragic incident in Laos

The 19-year-old Bianca Jones was dependent on life-support measures for several days after being evacuated from Laos to Thailand for several days. Her girlfriend of the same age, Holly Bowles, is still in a critical condition in a hospital in Bangkok, reported CNN partner Nine News.

poisoning in Vang Vieng

Jones' death is the latest case in a number of alleged methanol poisoning at foreigners in Vang Vieng, a popular destination for international backpackers. On Thursday, the US State Department confirmed to CNN that a US citizen died in the city. Although the reasons for death have not been announced, the Foreign Ministry said that the United States carefully monitor the situation and provide consular help.

warnings and measures by authorities

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that two Danish citizens died in Laos without calling further details. Methanol poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting and heart or respiratory arrest, according to US centers for disease control and prevention. Methanol, a clear liquid, is typically used in cleaning agents, but is sometimes illegally alcoholic drinks To increase volume cheap.

international support for those affected

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Policy and Trade said that support is provided for one of its nationals who has reported health problems and may be a victim of methanol poisoning in Laos. It is advised to be careful when consuming alcoholic beverages, especially for cocktails and spirits that may have been moved with harmful substances.

travel instructions and position assessments

The British embassy in Laos offered consular support for British citizens after an incident in the country. New Zealand has updated its travel instructions and warns the citizens of being careful when drinking in the Southeast Asian country. The Canadian state reported that several foreigners in Vang Vieng were affected by suspected methanol poisoning in November, with deaths and cases of serious illnesses caused by alcoholic beverages that contained methanol.

grief and hopes of relatives

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Jones' death in parliament and expressed his sympathy for the grieving relatives. He pointed out that the loss is unimaginable for every family. In an explanation of the family before Jones' death it says: "We want to make sure that no other family has to live through the pain we are going through." They hope that the authorities can quickly provide information about the incidents.

Vang Vieng: A popular backpacker destination

The Australian young people, both from Melbourne, enjoyed their backpacking holiday when they fell in Vang Vieng after one night. The picturesque small town in northern Laos has long been a popular destination for backpackers who are known for their parties and the simple availability of drugs. After the government closed the most problematic bars in 2012 to re-position the city as an eco-paradise and adventure destination, their party call remained.

additional medical care

The women had stayed in a hostel on November 11th and said they had drinks there and in a nearby bar. After her fallow, the two friends did not leave their room for 24 hours and finally missed the planned departure. They were taken to a hospital in Laos before they were transferred to Thailand, where they were treated in two different clinics.

It is believed that women have consumed alcoholic beverages that were contaminated with methanol, but the source of drinks is unclear. Methanol can lead to intoxication and is sometimes used in the production of fake alcoholic beverages or illegal local spirits, as the British Foreign Ministry warns.

Laos, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, is struggling in recent years with a rapid inflation, which is why tourism is an important source of income for the battered economy.