A third Australian has fallen ill after consuming methanol-laced alcohol in Laos. So far, six people have died and eight arrests have been made in what is suspected to be a mass methanol poisoning.
The Guardian Australia reported that a dual-national citizen fell victim to the suspected poisoning. The third Australian to be poisoned is reportedly in a stable condition and is currently being supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The suspected mass methanol poisoning in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng has tragically claimed the lives of Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, 19, who died in hospital in Thailand last week. Their deaths come following the passing of four other tourists: British lawyer Simone White, 28, two Danish women in their twenties and a 56-year-old American man.
Following the poisoning incident, eight men have been detained by Laos police. The ABC reported that the men were staff from the Nana Backpackers hostel, where Jones and Bowles were staying when they became ill.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was “continuing to provide consular assistance to the families of two Australians who have tragically passed away in Thailand.”
“Our thoughts are with the families at this deeply distressing time,” the statement read.
“Australian officials in Laos and Thailand are working closely with local authorities. Investigations are underway and we are offering any assistance we can provide.”
7News has since reported that the bodies of Jones and Bowles have been flown back home to Australia.
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