Two Melbourne teenagers are currently on life support in hospitals in Thailand after a suspected case of methanol poisoning while in the nearby country of Laos. Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, were on a gap year adventure when they fell ill after allegedly consuming tainted alcohol in the popular backpacker town of Vang Vieng.
The nightmare unfolded late last week when hostel staff at Nana Backpackers found the girls unwell in their room. It is believed they had been out enjoying cocktails at an unconfirmed location before falling ill.
Tragically, this isn’t an isolated incident. Nine’s Today program reported that two Swedish tourists have also recently died due to methanol posioning and at least ten others also reported to be hospitalised. The alarming news has led travellers to take to social media to warn others about the dangers of drinking in the area.
Holly’s colleagues at Frank’s Melbourne in Cheltenham are understandably distressed. Her manager, who wished to remain anonymous, described her as “an absolute star” and “a bundle of joy”, adding, “To know her is to love her”, per Sydney Morning Herald.
The staff are all hoping for her recovery, expressing their prayers for Holly and her family during this incredibly difficult time.
According to the hostel manager, the girls informed night staff that they were feeling unwell and needed assistance getting to the hospital. “They come and tell my staff at the reception, the night shift, to bring them, go to hospital,” the manager told 9News.
Following this report, local police inspected the alcohol served at the venue, which is known for its nightly happy hours featuring free vodka and whiskey. The hostel manager insisted that such practices are common across bars and hostels in the area: “But it’s very normal. Alcohol is [in] every bar, every hostel, they buy the same.”
Holly and Bianca’s parents have since flown to Bangkok to be by their sides as they receive medical care.
For those unfamiliar with methanol, it is a clear liquid chemical found in many everyday products like plastics, fuels and even cosmetics. Unfortunately, it can be illicitly added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, leading to severe health risks.
Drinking as little as 25-90ml of methanol can be fatal, with symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and vomiting to blindness and seizures.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is providing consular assistance to the families affected.
A spokesperson stated, “Our thoughts are with them at this deeply distressing time,” while noting that privacy obligations prevented further comment.
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