Laos police have arrested eight staff members from the NANA Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng in connection with a suspected mass methanol poisoning that claimed the lives of two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles. The arrests include hostel management, with suspects aged between 23 and 47 years old, as authorities investigate the tragic incident.

The poisoning occurred on November 11, when several tourists, including Jones and Bowles, consumed what is believed to have been methanol-laced drinks. The two 19-year-olds died after consuming the tainted beverages while backpacking through Laos. A third Australian tourist is reported to be in stable condition after falling ill under similar circumstances. The authorities have confirmed additional victims, including British lawyer Simone White, and Danish nationals Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Frela Vennervald Sorensen, all of whom died from the suspected poisoning.

The investigation continues as the Laotian government expresses its condolences for the tragic event, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs assists with repatriation efforts for the victims’ bodies. The incident highlights the dangers of methanol, which is often used in industrial products but can be fatal if ingested. Just 25 to 90 millilitres of methanol is enough to cause death.