The tragic death of Australian teenager Bianca Jones has brought the number of fatalities in a suspected mass poisoning incident in Laos to four. The 19-year-old’s family confirmed her death to the media on Thursday, following an earlier report from the US State Department that an American man had passed away in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng. This came after the deaths of two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, last week, which Danish authorities confirmed but chose not to provide further details due to privacy concerns.
These deaths are currently under investigation by local authorities. According to media reports and testimonies from other tourists, the fatalities may have been caused by drinks contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance frequently found in illegal, homemade alcohol. Methanol is highly dangerous to humans, and its presence in beverages has been linked to numerous incidents of poisoning worldwide.
Vang Vieng, located in central Laos along the Nam Song River, is a well-known destination for young Western travelers exploring Southeast Asia. It is situated along the Banana Pancake Trail, a route that connects popular backpacking spots in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Tragically, Vang Vieng has now been associated with this poisoning incident, which has affected not only tourists from Australia and the United States but also several others.
Bianca Jones’s friend, Holly Bowles, remains in critical condition, receiving life support in a Bangkok hospital. A British woman has also been hospitalized with similar symptoms. Additionally, a New Zealand citizen and a Dutch tourist have reportedly fallen ill with suspected methanol poisoning. The precise number of those affected remains unclear, but the situation is being closely monitored by the relevant authorities in their respective countries.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, acknowledging the devastating impact on Jones’s family and friends. He extended his thoughts to Holly Bowles, hoping for her recovery. The US State Department has also confirmed that it is monitoring the situation, while local authorities in Laos continue to investigate the cause of death.
In response to the incident, Australian, New Zealand, and UK authorities have issued warnings to their citizens traveling to Laos about the risks of methanol poisoning, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption in the region.
The incident has also raised concerns about the practices of certain establishments in Vang Vieng. The Nana Backpacker Hostel, where Jones and Bowles stayed, has been closed for police investigation. The hostel’s manager reported that over 100 guests had been offered free shots of Lao vodka, which the two Australian women consumed before heading out for the evening. The manager, who expressed hope that the investigation would clear the hostel’s name, stated that they have temporarily ceased offering free shots to guests.
Methanol poisoning has been a recurring issue in several parts of the world, particularly in regions where illegal alcohol is produced. In 2024, at least 57 people in India died after consuming methanol-laced liquor, and similar incidents have occurred in countries like the Philippines, Peru, and Indonesia. While it is rare for tourists to fall victim to such poisonings, the tragedy in Laos highlights the ongoing dangers of consuming unregulated alcohol.
