Sixth person dies in Laos ‘methanol mass poisoning’ as hostel owner detained by police

22 November 2024, 08:20 | Updated: 22 November 2024, 10:21

A second Australian teenager has died after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos, her family said - making her the sixth person to die in the incident.

Holly Bowles, 19, had been in a critical condition in hospital in Bangkok for days following the poisoning in Laos more than a week ago.

Australian broadcaster Network 10 read aloud a short statement from the Bowles family, saying: "We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace."

Her friend, Bianca Jones, also 19, died earlier this week.

British woman Simone White, 28, an American man and two Danish tourists also died, following reports that several people had become ill in a Laotian town popular with backpackers.

Earlier, Laotian police detained the manager and owner of a hostel involved in the case.

An officer at Vang Vieng's Tourism Police office said a "number of people" had been detained in the case, but no charges have been filed yet.

Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which is still operating but not accepting new guests, confirmed that the manager and owner were among those taken in for questioning.

Read more: Laos hostel owner arrested after Brit lawyer becomes fifth tourist to die in 'poisoning'

Read more: British lawyer, 28, dies following suspected mass methanol poisoning at bar in Laos

Tourist police offices are common in south-east Asia and are set up specifically to help with incidents involving tourists and other foreigners.

The US State Department issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of "suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks", following similar alerts from other countries whose citizens were involved.

'Sincerely missed'

The law firm Ms White worked for, Squire Patton Boggs, posted a tribute to her on social media.

"It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Simone White.

"Simone was a talented colleague with a bright future ahead of her and someone who epitomised our firm values.

"Our thoughts go out to all of Simone's family, friends, and those colleagues and clients who had the privilege to work with and know Simone.

"She will be sincerely missed."

A 28-year-old British woman, Ms White, from Orpington, Kent, also died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, the British Foreign Office said.

An American and two Danish tourists also died, though specifics about the causes of death have not been released.

Laos is a one-party communist state with no organised opposition and the government keeps a tight lid on information. In this case, officials have released almost no details.

The Foreign Ministry has refused to comment, and in Vang Vieng, the small hospital where some of the victims are believed to have been treated initially, referred all questions to the town's health office on the hospital grounds. The town health officials refused to comment, saying they lacked proper permission.

Methanol is sometimes added to mixed drinks at disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death.

It is also a by-product of poorly distilled homebrewed liquor, and could have found its way into bar drinks inadvertently.

Landlocked Laos is one of south-east Asia's poorest nations and a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng is particularly popular among backpackers seeking partying and adventure sports.

Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who owns the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in town, said a lot of his customers were very worried about the incident.

"I think it's never happened before, so it is hopefully just a one-off incident," said Mr Farmiloe, who has lived in Vang Vieng for 20 years. "It's very sad all around. I'm sure nobody intended to cause injury, but it's happened."

It has been more than a week since the two 19-year-old Australian women fell ill on November 13 following a night out drinking with a group.

They failed to check out from the Nana Backpacker Hostel as planned and were found sick in their room and then taken to Thailand for emergency treatment.

Thai authorities confirmed earlier that 19-year-old Australian Ms Jones had died by "brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system".

Duong Duc Toan, the manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, said the day before he was detained that the two Australian women had joined other guests for free shots of Laotian vodka on the night in question, before heading elsewhere and returning in the early hours of the morning.

New Zealand's Foreign Ministry said one of its citizens became ill in Laos and was a possible victim of methanol poisoning.

'Cherished'

Statement from the Beaumaris Football Club in regards to Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones: The Beaumaris Football Club extends its love, best wishes and unconditional support to Holly and Bianca in their hour of need.

Our heartfelt thoughts are also with their parents Samantha and Shaun Bowles, Michelle and Mark Jones as well as their extended families and friends.

The situation that occurred whilst both girls were travelling in South-East Asia is tragic and distressing.

Holly and Bianca are valued members of the Club. Both girls progressed through our junior program with Holly extending her love for the game to playing Senior football this year in the highly regarded VAFA Women’s B Grade competition. Both girls have achieved rarified air by playing in BFC premiership teams, firstly together in 2022, with Holly adding another premiership in 2023 by being part of the coveted U18 Division 1 Girls Grand Final winning team.

By their deeds and involvement in the girls and women’s football programs, both Holly and Bianca have become cherished and highly respected members of the Beaumaris Sharks family.

We acknowledge Holly and Bianca’s teammates and friends at the club are struggling to come to terms with what has occurred. Now more than ever, the wider Sharks Community needs to lean on each other for both comfort and support.