A second Australian died from suspected poisoning with adulterated alcohol containing methanol in Laos, the Australian Foreign Minister announced on Friday, bringing the number of foreign tourists who died in this case to six.
“All Australians will be heartbroken by (this) tragic death,” Penny Wong said.
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.
Many people, teenagers and young adults, fell ill during this evening in Vang Vieng.
Australia has called for a full and transparent investigation from the Laotian authorities to clarify the facts.
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.
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