Teen dies after suspected poisoning from free shot of vodka on holiday
An Australian teen is thought to be the fourth person to have died in a suspected mass poisoning after drinking alcohol in Laos.
The family of 19-year-old Bianca Jones confirmed that she had died in a Thai hospital a week after a suspected methanol poisoning incident following the deaths of three others.
The US State Department confirmed that an American man had died after they drank suspected tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, while Denmark's foreign ministry also confirmed that two of their citizens had died.
In a statement following their daughter's death, her family said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away.
"She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.
"We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia. The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling."
Jones and her friend Holly Bowles, also 19, had been staying in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng when they both fell seriously ill and were rushed from Laos to a hospital in Thailand.
Bowles remains in hospital after falling ill on a night out on 13 November where they are believed to have consumed drinks tainted with methanol.
According to the Associated Press, the hostel they were staying at offered free shots of Lao vodka to over 100 guests before they went on their night out, with the hostel manager saying no other guests reported health issues.
Authorities have not confirmed where the location of the suspected poisoning was, with Bowles still in hospital and the BBC reporting that a British woman may also be in hospital on life support.
New Zealand's foreign ministry said that one of their citizens was unwell in Laos and might be another victim of the suspected methanol poisoning, and had updated their travel advice accordingly.
Methanol is toxic to humans, but is sometimes mixed into cheap bootleg booze to increase its alcohol content.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said: "This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure.
"We also take this moment to say that we’re thinking of Bianca’s friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life."
There have been a number of mass poisoning incidents which have left multiple people dead in recent times.
Topics: World News, Australia, Travel
Joe Harker