More victims of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos named

Following a suspected methanol poisoning incident in Laos, three more victims have been identified, after two young Australian women tragically died in Thailand. The death toll now stands at six, with the cause of death suspected to be methanol in drinks consumed in the town of Vang Vieng, Laos.

19-year-old Holly Bowers and Bianca Jones from Melbourne passed away last week after receiving life support treatment in a Thai hospital. Additionally, British lawyer Simone White has also been confirmed as one of the victims.

Local Laotian news outlet Vientiane Times reported that three other victims include 20-year-old Dane Anne-Sophie Okkels Koldkjær, 21-year-old Dane Freja Vinnerupwald Sørensen, and 57-year-old American James Louis Hartson. Their governments had previously confirmed their deaths in Laos but had not explicitly linked them to the suspected methanol poisoning incident.

The Laotian government has issued a statement regarding the deaths, with a government spokesperson stating, “The Lao government is deeply saddened by the loss of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, and expresses its sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.” An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The government reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of both domestic and international tourists.

Bianca Jones’ father, Mark, had previously urged the Laotian government to take action to prevent similar incidents from happening again. “I would like to take this opportunity to urge the Laotian government to fully investigate this matter to ensure that this type of event does not happen again,” he said, “We cannot allow our daughter’s passing… to not bring about change that will protect others.” The bodies of Jones and Bowers are scheduled to be returned to Australia this week.