Third person dies of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos as two ...
2 hours agoWed 20 Nov 2024 at 9:19pm
The suspected methanol poisoning incident in Vang Vieng has left two Australians fighting for their lives. (Reuters: K Yoganand/WWF)
The ABC understands a US citizen is the third person to die after a suspected methanol poisoning incident in Laos.
Melbourne 19-year-olds Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones have been fighting for their lives after consuming alcohol at a bar in the tourist town of Vang Vieng in Laos last Tuesday.
It is understood at least two Danish women in their 20s have died and at least 10 people have fallen ill after drinking the alcohol.
The ABC understands a third person has died in Laos after drinking tainted alcohol, as two Australian teenagers continue to fight for their lives following the mass poisoning incident.
Melbourne 19-year-olds Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones are critically ill after they drank alcohol suspected to have been tainted by methanol at a bar in Vang Vieng in Laos last Tuesday.
Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles are in Thailand hospitals after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos. (Supplied)
Ms Bowles and Ms Jones are currently hospitalised in Thailand.
On Thursday morning the US State Department said a US citizen had died in Vang Vieng. It is understood at least two Danish women in their 20s have died, with at least 10 people falling ill after drinking the alcohol.
"We can confirm the death of a US citizen in Vang Vieng, Laos," the US State Department said.
"We offer our sincerest condolences to their family on their loss.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and providing consular assistance."
A spokesman for the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said the department was "providing consular assistance to two Australians and their families in Thailand".
"Our thoughts are with them at this deeply distressing time," the spokesman said.
"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment."
DFAT yesterday updated its travel advice for Laos following the methanol poisonings, telling travellers to "be alert to the potential risks, particularly with spirit-based drinks including cocktails" in the country.
Yesterday Shaun Bowles, Holly's father, said his daughter remained on life support at Bangkok Hospital.
"We'd just like to thank everyone from back home for all the support and love that we're receiving," he said.
"But we'd also like for people to appreciate right now we just need privacy so we can spend as much time as we can with Holly."
Ms Jones's family is by her bedside at the Bangkok Hospital Udon Thani in Thailand's north.
The Beaumaris Football Club in Melbourne's south-east, where Ms Bowles and Ms Jones are members, has sent messages of support to the pair.
The Beaumaris Football Club has paid tribute to Ms Bowles and Ms Jones who both play for the club. (Supplied: Beaumaris Football Club)
"By their deeds and involvement in the girls and women's football programs, both Holly and Bianca have become cherished and highly respected members of the Beaumaris Sharks family," the club wrote on social media.
"Our heartfelt thoughts are also with their parents Samantha and Shaun Bowles, Michelle and Mark Jones as well as their extended families and friends."
