Second Melbourne teenager dies from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

Australian teenager Holly Bowers, from Melbourne, has died in a Thai hospital nine days after drinking a beverage suspected of being contaminated with methanol in Laos, her father has confirmed. This tragedy has once again raised concerns about the safety of substandard alcoholic beverages in Southeast Asia, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations.

Bowers' father told 9News in a statement that his "beautiful daughter Holly is now at rest," having passed away in a Bangkok hospital. "We take comfort and solace in knowing Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people," Mr. Bowers said. "Holly was travelling in South East Asia, making new friends, enjoying incredible experiences and living her best life." This reflects the vibrant spirit and adventurous nature of the young traveler.

The Bowers family expressed their gratitude for the support they have received since their daughter fell ill. "We want to thank everyone from home, Canada and around the world for the love and support that Holly and our family have received." They added: "We now ask for privacy at this extremely difficult time," emphasizing the need for space and understanding as they grieve.

This comes less than a day after a British woman became the fifth person to die in connection with suspected methanol poisoning from tainted alcohol. According to officials, an American and two Danish tourists had also previously died, following reports of multiple people falling ill in a popular backpacker town in Laos. Laotian authorities are investigating the incident, seeking to identify the source of the contamination and prevent future occurrences.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was "saddened" by the tragic death of Bowers. "This should have been a trip of joy and wonderful memories – it is just so incredibly sad that that is not the case," Albanese said. "My thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family and friends." He also stated that the government would continue to provide support to the Jones and Bowers families, as well as local authorities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance during this difficult time.

Udon Thani police revealed that Jones died in hospital, having been transferred from Laos in a coma and never regaining consciousness. Police stated: "The cause of death was most likely due to methanol in the fake alcohol. It is a poison and should not be consumed. It causes swelling of the brain and leads to death." This underscores the severity of methanol poisoning and the potentially fatal consequences of consuming adulterated alcoholic beverages.

The UK government confirmed that a British national had also died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning. According to British media reports, the deceased was lawyer Simone White. It is believed the victims drank drinks laced with methanol, which some unscrupulous bars sometimes add to mixed drinks as a cheap substitute for ethanol, but it can cause severe poisoning or death, making awareness crucial for travelers.

It is understood that the owner of the Vang Vieng Nana Backpackers Hotel, where Bowers and Jones were staying, has been detained in the Laotian capital, Vientiane, to assist police with their investigation. The hotel owner insists the drinks did not come from his bar. The US State Department confirmed that an American had died in Vang Vieng, and the Danish Foreign Ministry said that two Danish citizens had also died in "the Laos incident," but neither directly commented on a link to the methanol poisoning that led to Jones' death, leaving many questions unanswered.

Jones' family requested privacy as they grieve in a statement. "She was surrounded by love, and we take comfort in the fact that her incredible spirit touched the lives of so many in her time with us," the family wrote. "We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers from across Australia." This highlights the impact she had on those around her and the outpouring of support they have received during this difficult time.

Montone Girls' Grammar School, where Jones graduated in 2023, also paid tribute to the "beautiful young woman." Principal Natalie Charles said in a statement: "Bianca was a beautiful young woman in every way, who lived life with great spirit and boundless enthusiasm. She excelled as an agile and fast forward in the school's AFL team, however, she was perhaps at her best off the field, building team spirit and encouraging her peers to give their all. Known for her caring nature and bubbly personality, she loved spending time with her friends. Bianca will be fondly remembered and deeply missed," emphasizing her positive impact on the school community.

Laos is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng, in particular, is popular with backpackers seeking parties and adventure sports. Details of the alcohol poisoning began to slowly emerge about a week after Jones and Bowers fell ill after drinking with a group of people in the remote town on November 13, underscoring the risks associated with unregulated alcohol consumption in certain tourist hotspots.

Thai authorities confirmed that Jones died of "swelling of the brain due to excessive levels of methanol in her system." Foreign Minister Penny Wong said upon receiving news of Jones' death: "Drug spiking and methanol poisoning in drinks is all too prevalent in many parts of the world. At this time, I want to say to parents and young people, please have conversations about risk, please be aware, please let's work together to make sure that tragedy doesn't occur again." This emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventative measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that one of its citizens had also fallen ill in Laos, possibly also a victim of methanol poisoning. "We have updated our travel advice for Laos to note that there have been reports of several suspected cases of methanol poisoning following the consumption of alcoholic drinks," the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. "Travellers are advised to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic drinks, especially cocktails and drinks made with spirits that may be adulterated with harmful substances," urging travelers to be vigilant and cautious when consuming alcohol in Laos.

Australia has also updated its travel advice, warning that several foreign nationals have been victims of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos this month. The United States did not immediately issue updated travel advice. All Australians extend their deepest condolences to them at this heartbreaking time. Bianca's trip should have been a time of joy and wonderful memories for years to come. It is just so incredibly sad that that is not the case, highlighting the profound loss and the need for continued support for the affected families.