(Source : CBS) Four tourists, including an American and an Australian, have died after consuming methanol-tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, a popular backpacker destination. The victims include 19-year-old Bianca Jones from Australia, who passed away after being transferred to a hospital in Thailand for treatment, and her friend, Holly Bowles, who remains critically ill.
Two Danish tourists also died in the incident, with all victims believed to have ingested adulterated alcohol, which can cause severe poisoning or death. The U.S. State Department has confirmed the death of an American, but the victim’s name has not been released.
Australian officials are urging young travelers to be cautious about consuming alcohol in areas where it may be contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance often used as a cheaper alternative to ethanol. Methanol poisoning can cause nausea, blindness, and death if untreated.
Authorities in Laos and neighboring Thailand are investigating the incident, while countries like Australia and New Zealand have updated their travel advisories to warn tourists about the risks.
