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

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

It is reported that the two girls graduated last year from Mentone Girls Grammar and Beaumaris Secondary College, both located in bayside suburbs of Melbourne. Sources also indicate that two other travelers have died from drinking contaminated alcoholic beverages, and at least a dozen more are hospitalized.

9News has learned that the two Melbourne teenagers informed staff at the Nana Backpackers hostel that they were feeling unwell. The hostel manager stated, "They came and told the night staff at reception to take them to the hospital." The hostel manager also mentioned that police have been to the hostel to check the alcoholic beverages, and the hostel hosts a happy hour every night, offering free vodka and whiskey. "But that's normal. Every bar, every hostel sells alcohol, and they buy the same thing."

It is understood that the two girls visited several bars during their stay in Laos. Their parents flew to Bangkok on Friday, where they are currently receiving treatment in a hospital. One of the girls worked at a local cafe, which 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. The Methanol Institute states that it is often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheap substitute for ethanol. Forensic pathology professor David Ranson stated that methanol is a common ingredient 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 corpses," he told 9News. Ingesting as little as 25-90 milliliters of methanol can be fatal.

Travelers have begun posting 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 are with them at this deeply distressing time. Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment."

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