six foreign tourists died

A second young Australian woman, who fell seriously ill after consuming alcohol in Laos suspected of having been mixed with methanol, died in a hospital in Bangkok, according to a statement from her family on Friday November 22 reported by the Associated Press (AP) agency. This brings the number of people killed in this case to six.

Holly Bowles, 19, had been in serious condition since the suspected poisoning more than a week ago. “We are so sad to announce that our beautiful daughter Holly is now at peace”his family said in a statement sent to Australian channel Network 10 and other media. “We find comfort and consolation in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people. »

According to AP, Thai authorities confirmed that M^me Jones died as a result of “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in his body.” Australia has called for a full and transparent investigation from the Laotian authorities to clarify the facts.

A “certain number of people” arrested

According to press reports, a group of a dozen tourists fell ill on November 12 after an evening in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker town. So far, two Danes, two Australians, a Briton and an American are among the victims, according to their respective governments. Many people, teenagers and young adults, fell ill during this evening.

The two Australians, originally from Melbourne, started to feel unwell at the Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, where they were staying, according to Australian media. They drank at the hostel bar before going out for the evening, the newspaper reported Sydney Morning Herald. They did not leave their room on November 13, as planned, and hostel staff rushed them to the hospital.

A Vang Vieng police officer told AP on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity, that a “certain number of people” had been arrested without charges having been brought at this stage.

In their travel advice, the authorities of several Western countries warn their nationals against the risks of methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol in Laos. Methanol is an alcohol used in the manufacture of antifreeze or windshield washer fluid, varnish or photocopier fluid. It can be added to other alcohols to increase potency or reduce price, but can cause blindness, liver damage and death.