Two Melbourne teens on life support after suspected methanol poisoning in Asia

According to a 9News report, two teenagers from Melbourne are relying on life support systems after suspected methanol poisoning from alcoholic beverages in Southeast Asia. The two young women are believed to be in their late teens and were traveling in Laos with a group.

It is understood that they graduated last year from Mentone Girls' Grammar School and Beaumaris Secondary College in Melbourne's bayside suburbs. Additional reports indicate that two other travelers have died, and at least a dozen have been hospitalized after consuming contaminated alcohol.

9News has learned that the two Melbourne girls informed staff at Nana Backpackers that they were feeling unwell. The manager of Nana Backpackers told 9News, "They came to tell our reception night staff to take them to the hospital." The hotel manager stated that police had come to inspect the alcohol in the hotel, which hosts a happy hour every night with free vodka and whiskey. "But this is normal. Every bar, every hotel has the same alcohol."

9News understands that the two girls visited several bars during their time in Laos. It is understood that their parents flew to Bangkok on Friday, where they are currently receiving treatment in a hospital. A local cafe where one of the girls worked was closed yesterday to allow staff to deal with the matter.

Methanol is a colorless liquid chemical widely used in thousands of everyday products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics, and fuels. According to the Methanol Institute, it is often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheap substitute for ethanol. Forensic pathology professor David Ranson said that this is a common feature in illicit spirits purchased by travelers, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. "Essentially, it produces formaldehyde, which is basically the same chemical used to embalm bodies," he told 9News. Ingesting just 25-90 milliliters of methanol can be fatal.

Travelers have begun posting messages on social media, warning others to be aware of the issue. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) stated that they are "providing consular assistance" to two Australians in Thailand and their families. A spokesperson said, "We extend our sympathies to them at this deeply distressing time. Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment."