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**Two Australian Women Dead in Laos Methanol Poisoning Incident**
**Vientiane, Laos –** A second Australian woman, Holly Bowles, 19, has died in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning, authorities confirmed Friday. This follows the death of her friend, Bianca Jones, also 19, in a Thai hospital a day earlier. The pair fell ill a week ago while traveling together in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Bowles’ father, Shaun, shared a heartbreaking statement with Nine News, saying, “It is with great sadness that we share our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace.” He added that the family finds comfort in knowing “Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Bowles’ death, expressing the nation’s grief. She stated, “All Australians will be heartbroken by the tragic passing of Holly Bowles. Yesterday, Holly lost her best friend, Bianca Jones. Tonight, I know all Australians hold both families in our hearts.”
The announcement of Bowles’ death came shortly after Laotian police detained the manager and owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel where the two young women stayed. At least six deaths are suspected to be linked to the methanol poisoning incident. An official from Vang Vieng’s tourism police office, who declined to be named, confirmed that “a number of people” were in custody, but no charges have been filed. Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, while still operating, are refusing new guests.
The US State Department issued a health alert Friday warning citizens traveling in Laos about “methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly from consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic beverages.”
A 28-year-old British woman also died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, the British Foreign Office reported. An American and two Danish tourists have also died, though details surrounding the cause of death have not been released. The Laotian government, a one-party communist state, has been tight-lipped about the details of the investigation.
Methanol, a cheap alternative to ethanol, is sometimes added to mixed drinks in disreputable bars, causing severe poisoning or death. It’s a byproduct of poorly distilled home-brew alcohol and can inadvertently end up in bar drinks.
Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination known for its party atmosphere and adventure activities, is grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. Neil Farmelo, a New Zealander who owns the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in town, said that many of his customers are deeply concerned. He commented, “I think this has never happened before, so this is just a one-off,” adding, “It’s very sad around town. I’m sure no one wanted anyone to get hurt, but it happened.”
The two Australian women became ill on November 13th after a night of drinking with a group. They failed to check out of the Nana Backpacker Hostel as planned and were found unwell in their room before being transported to Thailand for emergency treatment. Thai officials confirmed Jones died from “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol in her system.” The hostel manager, Duong Duk Tone, stated before his detention that the women had consumed free shots of Lao Khao, a Laotian vodka, with other guests before leaving and returning in the early morning.
First Piper 