Another teenager dies after methanol poisonings in Laos - bringing total killed to six

Friday, 22 November 2024 10:23

A second Australian teenager has died after being poisoned with methanol in Laos, bringing the number of people killed to six.

Holly Bowles, 19, has died, according to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, who said: "All Australians will be heartbroken by the tragic passing of Holly Bowles.

"I offer my deepest sympathies to her family and friends."

Her family said in a statement sent to Australian media: "We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace."

"We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people."

Bianca Jones, who according to Australian authorities was Ms Bowles's best friend, died earlier this week after both 19-year-olds fell ill on 13 November following a night out drinking with a group in Vang Vieng, a resort popular with backpackers.

The two women, both from Melbourne and who were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, are two of six people who have died after drinking methanol-laced vodka in the tourist hotspot.

The death of British woman Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, was announced on Thursday. She fell ill after reportedly drinking "free shots" from a local bar.

Two Danish women in their 20s and a 56-year-old US citizen also died as a result of the mass poisoning.

Methanol is sometimes added to mixed drinks as a cheaper alternative to alcohol but can cause severe poisoning or death.

The manager and owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel where the two Australians were staying has been detained, according to an officer at Vang Vieng's Tourism Police office who refused to give his name.

He is one of a number of people reportedly detained in connection with the poisoning, but no charges have been filed yet.

The hostel is still operating but not accepting new guests.

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After falling ill, Ms Bowles and Ms Jones 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 that Ms Jones had died by "brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system".

Sky News