Laos Post

Thursday, Dec 26, 2024

Laos government 'profoundly saddened' by tourist deaths

Authorities investigate suspected methanol poisoning after foreign tourists fall ill
The Laos government has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of six foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination. The incident, suspected to be caused by methanol poisoning, has led to the deaths of two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton, and two Australians. The victims fell ill after a night out on November 12, with several others also hospitalized. The latest fatality was 19-year-old Australian Holly Bowles, who passed away in a Bangkok hospital on Friday.

In response to the tragedy, Laos' Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement offering condolences to the families of the deceased, and announced an ongoing investigation into the incident. Australian authorities have urged Laos to conduct a full and transparent inquiry. The authorities have also detained the Vietnamese manager of the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where the tourists were staying, for questioning, although no charges have been filed. It is suspected that the tourists consumed alcohol tainted with methanol, a toxic substance often used in industrial products, which can cause severe health issues or death.

Despite the tragedy, Vang Vieng’s tourism industry appears to continue as normal, with many tourists still visiting the town, which has rebranded itself as an eco-tourism destination in recent years. Officials from Denmark, Australia, and the UK have warned their citizens about the risks of methanol poisoning in Laos, urging caution when consuming alcohol in the region.

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**Six Foreign Tourists Dead After Methanol Poisoning in Laos**

A tragic methanol poisoning incident in Vang Vieng, Laos, has left six foreign tourists dead. Among the victims are nationals from Denmark, the U.S., the UK, and Australia. Authorities suspect tainted alcohol was the cause of the deaths, with the latest fatality being 19-year-old Australian Holly Bowles. Laos has expressed condolences and is investigating the incident, while Australian officials demand a full inquiry. Despite the tragedy, Vang Vieng continues to welcome tourists, with many still flocking to the region, now known for its eco-tourism.**Tragic Methanol Poisoning Claims Six Lives in Vang Vieng, Laos**

*Authorities investigate suspected methanol poisoning after foreign tourists fall ill*

The Laos government has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of six foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination. The incident, suspected to be caused by methanol poisoning, has led to the deaths of two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton, and two Australians. The victims fell ill after a night out on November 12, with several others also hospitalized. The latest fatality was 19-year-old Australian Holly Bowles, who passed away in a Bangkok hospital on Friday.

In response to the tragedy, Laos' Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement offering condolences to the families of the deceased, and announced an ongoing investigation into the incident. Australian authorities have urged Laos to conduct a full and transparent inquiry. The authorities have also detained the Vietnamese manager of the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where the tourists were staying, for questioning, although no charges have been filed. It is suspected that the tourists consumed alcohol tainted with methanol, a toxic substance often used in industrial products, which can cause severe health issues or death.

Despite the tragedy, Vang Vieng’s tourism industry appears to continue as normal, with many tourists still visiting the town, which has rebranded itself as an eco-tourism destination in recent years. Officials from Denmark, Australia, and the UK have warned their citizens about the risks of methanol poisoning in Laos, urging caution when consuming alcohol in the region.

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