The government of Laos has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of six foreign tourists in the popular backpacker town of Vang Vieng, where methanol poisoning is believed to be the cause.
In a statement published on its Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, the government extended its “sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased” and confirmed an ongoing investigation into the tragedy.
The victims, who fell ill after a night out in the tourist hotspot shortly after November 12, included a British woman, two Australian teenagers, an American man, and two Danish nationals.
Among the deceased were Holly Bowles, 19, and her best friend Bianca Jones, also 19, both from Melbourne, Australia. Bowles passed away on Friday in a Bangkok hospital, one day after Jones succumbed in a separate Thai hospital.
The British victim, Simone White, a lawyer, was remembered by her grieving parents as “a beautiful, kind, and loving daughter” who had an unmatched “energy and spark for life.” They added, “She has been taken from us too soon and will be sorely missed by her brother, grandmother, and entire family.”
Authorities suspect that alcohol contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance sometimes used to increase liquor potency, caused the deaths. Methanol poisoning can lead to severe health complications, including blindness, liver failure, and death.
The UK and Australian governments have issued warnings on their travel advice platforms, urging citizens to be cautious about consuming alcohol in Laos. Australian officials have called for a full and transparent investigation into the incident.
The Vietnamese manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng has been detained for questioning, according to the Laos tourist police, but no charges have been filed.
Vang Vieng, known for its role in Southeast Asia’s backpacker circuit, has transitioned in recent years from being infamous for wild parties to promoting eco-tourism. However, this incident has cast a shadow over its reputation.
As investigations continue, police in Laos were unavailable for comment, and affected families await answers about this devastating tragedy.
