Four Tourists Dead in Laos Alcohol Poisoning, Including Americans and Australians

VIENTIANE, Laos – The death toll from a suspected methanol poisoning incident in Laos has risen to four, with both American and Australian tourists among the victims. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the death of 19-year-old Bianca Jones, who passed away after being evacuated to a hospital in Thailand. Another Australian, Holly Bowles, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The U.S. State Department also confirmed the death of an American tourist in the same party town, Vang Vieng, but withheld further details out of respect for the families involved.

The two Australian women fell ill on November 13 after a night out drinking with a group. They are believed to have consumed alcohol tainted with methanol, which can cause severe poisoning or death. New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry reported that one of its citizens is also unwell in Laos and may have fallen victim to the same poisoning.

Authorities in Denmark confirmed the deaths of two of their citizens in the region, though they provided no additional details. In response, New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry updated its travel advisory for Laos, warning travelers about the risk of methanol poisoning, particularly in mixed drinks from unreliable sources.