A second Australian has died from suspected poisoning with adulterated alcohol containing methanol in Laos, the Australian Foreign Minister announced on Friday. This brings to six the number of foreign tourists who died in this affair.
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 British woman and an American are among the victims, according to their respective governments. Australia has called for a full and transparent investigation from the Laotian authorities to clarify the facts.
Why methanol in alcohol?
In their travel advice, the authorities of several Western countries warn their nationals of 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 their potency or reduce their price, but it can cause blindness, liver damage and death.
