A general view of Vang Vieng and its surrounding landscape in Laos. Reuters File Photo

Four foreign tourists have died due to suspected mass methanol poisoning from consuming tainted alcohol at a popular backpacker destination in Laos, according to Western government officials and media reports on Thursday. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the latest death, a young Australian woman, while her friend remains in critical condition. Officials also reported the deaths of two Danish citizens and an American, following a night out in Vang Vieng where they consumed possibly tainted alcohol. About a dozen tourists fell ill after going out on November 12, according to British and Australian media.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences in parliament, stating, "Tragically, Bianca Jones has lost her life. Our first thoughts at this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss." He also mentioned Bianca's friend Holly Bowles, who is fighting for her life. Holly is on "life support" in a Bangkok hospital, as reported by her father Shaun Bowles to Australia's Nine News.

At the Bangkok hospital where Bowles is reportedly receiving treatment, staff declined to confirm her presence. Denmark's foreign ministry confirmed the deaths of two Danish citizens in Laos without providing further details. The Vietnamese manager of the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, where the two Australian women were staying, has been detained for questioning by Laos tourist police. No charges have been filed as the investigation is ongoing.

The US State Department confirmed the death of a US citizen in Vang Vieng, Laos, and stated it is "closely monitoring the situation and providing consular assistance." New Zealand's embassy in Bangkok reported being contacted by a citizen who may be a victim of methanol poisoning in Laos. The bereaved family of the young Australian expressed their gratitude for the kindness shown to them during this difficult time.

Vang Vieng has long been a popular destination for backpackers in Southeast Asia since Laos opened its doors to tourism decades ago. The town, once known for wild jungle parties, has since rebranded as an eco-tourism destination. UK and Australian authorities warn their citizens about the risk of methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol in Laos. Methanol, often added to liquor to increase potency, can cause blindness, liver damage, and death. In neighboring Thailand, at least six people died and over 20 were hospitalized after drinking methanol-laced bootleg alcohol in August.

Bowles and Jones, both 19-year-olds from Melbourne, fell ill while staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng last week. They drank at the hostel's bar before going out for the evening, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. The hostel's Facebook and Instagram pages were deactivated, and it was no longer taking bookings online. UK media reported that a British woman was also hospitalized in Bangkok after drinking in Vang Vieng.

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