Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles drank tainted alcohol in Laos, drawing scrutiny to methanol-laced drinks in South-East Asia
4 months ago

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles drank tainted alcohol in Laos, drawing scrutiny to methanol-laced drinks in South-East Asia

ABC  

The death of Melbourne teenager Holly Bowles from a mass methanol poisoning incident in Laos has taken the death toll to six. "It's just a shame that it takes people to die for the awareness to start happening, but it's definitely very triggering … and it's a big eye opener of how lucky I really was." The problem of methanol-laced drinks in South-East Asia One of the people who'd helped Mr Chalmers survive was Colin Ahearn, who started a social media page to raise awareness about the risks of consuming tainted drinks after meeting Davies's family and being deeply moved by their story. "It's excruciating pain if you do get a major dose of methanol poisoning and really you do need to seek medical attention reasonably quickly." The government's Smart Traveller alert now states: "Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been the victims in November 2024 of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.

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History of this topic

Heartbreaking new blow for the families of Aussie teens who died of methanol poisoning in Laos
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Heartbreaking new blow for the families of Aussie teens who died of methanol poisoning in Laos

Daily Mail  

The Laos government has refused expert help from Australia in its investigation into the deaths of six tourists, including two Melbourne teenagers. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told federal parliament on Thursday that authorities in Laos have declined the offer of assistance from Australian Federal Police in its investigation of the incident. The government of Laos has refused expert help …

Mother of British lawyer who died in Laos mass methanol poisoning reunites with her daughter's backpacking companion who survived the nightmare - and reveals the heartbreaking last text she received f
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Mother of British lawyer who died in Laos mass methanol poisoning reunites with her daughter's backpacking companion who survived the nightmare - and reveals the heartbreaking last text she received f

Daily Mail  

The mother of a British lawyer who died after drinking alcohol laced with methanol has revealed the heartbreaking last message her daughter sent moments before she was poisoned. Simone White, 28, was one of six tourists who tragically died following a mass methanol poisoning at a hostel bar in Vang Vieng, Laos, last November. Ms White said: 'And that's the …

Teenage who died in Laos poisonings was ‘full of life’. Now father is determined to get justice
3 months ago

Teenage who died in Laos poisonings was ‘full of life’. Now father is determined to get justice

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Shaun Bowles said he was in “disbelief” when he …

After Laos, it's Fiji: The rise of alcohol poisonings and what not to drink on your holiday abroad
3 months, 1 week ago

After Laos, it's Fiji: The rise of alcohol poisonings and what not to drink on your holiday abroad

Firstpost  

Several weeks after six tourists died in Laos from suspected contaminated alcohol, several people were hospitalised in Fiji due to another suspected alcohol poisoning incident. A few weeks after six people died in Laos from suspected methanol-laced drinks, seven tourists were hospitalised in Fiji in a suspected alcohol poisoning case on Sunday. On Saturday night, seven tourists, including four Australians, …

Four Australians in hospital in Fiji after suspected alcohol poisoning
3 months, 1 week ago

Four Australians in hospital in Fiji after suspected alcohol poisoning

ABC  

The Australian government has updated its travel advice for Fiji to warn of methanol poisoning after four Australians were taken to hospital after drinking a cocktail at a well-known Fijian resort. The four Australian women, aged between 18 and 56, are understood to be in critical condition in hospital on Monday morning after drinking the cocktail on Saturday afternoon at …

Funeral held for much-loved Melbourne teen Holly Morton-Bowles after Laos methanol poisoning
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Funeral held for much-loved Melbourne teen Holly Morton-Bowles after Laos methanol poisoning

ABC  

Friends and family — some wearing pink and others with blue and yellow ribbons in their hair — have gathered to farewell Holly Morton-Bowles, one of two Melbourne friends who died after consuming methanol-laced drinks while on holiday in Laos. In a statement read by acting principal Peter Bartlett before the service, her family said on Monday was "a profoundly …

Heartbreaking moment the fathers of methanol poisoning victims carry Bianca Jones' coffin - as hundreds of colourful mourners farewell the Melbourne teen
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Heartbreaking moment the fathers of methanol poisoning victims carry Bianca Jones' coffin - as hundreds of colourful mourners farewell the Melbourne teen

Daily Mail  

Hundreds of mourners dressed in every colour of the rainbow have gathered to celebrate the life of Laos poisoning victim Bianca Jones. Ms Jones died surrounded by her devastated family in a Bangkok hospital on November 21, while her best friend Holly Bowles died a day later. Hundreds of mourners dressed in colourful clothing have gathered to celebrate the life …

Bianca Jones remembered for 'profound impact' at funeral service after death from Laos methanol poisoning
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Bianca Jones remembered for 'profound impact' at funeral service after death from Laos methanol poisoning

ABC  

Melbourne teen Bianca Jones has been farewelled by family and friends at a funeral at her old school after her death from methanol poisoning during a holiday in Asia. On Friday, Mentone Girls' Grammar principal Natalie Charles read out a statement from the Jones family, thanking the public for their support and compassion during what had been an extremely difficult …

Laos poisoning: ‘I knew she was going to die,’ says mother of lawyer who died after drinking ‘shots laced with ethanol’
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Laos poisoning: ‘I knew she was going to die,’ says mother of lawyer who died after drinking ‘shots laced with ethanol’

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The mother of a London …

Eight arrested over Laos methanol poisonings which killed six tourists
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Eight arrested over Laos methanol poisonings which killed six tourists

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police in Laos have arrested …

Major development after six foreign tourists died of methanol poisoning at a backpacker hostel in Laos - as disturbing new claims emerge about staff
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Major development after six foreign tourists died of methanol poisoning at a backpacker hostel in Laos - as disturbing new claims emerge about staff

Daily Mail  

Multiple staff from a backpacker hostel at the centre of a suspected mass poisoning in Laos, which claimed the lives of six foreign tourists, have been arrested by police. Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, were among six foreign tourists who died last week after falling ill while staying at the hostel. Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones …

Suspected mass methanol poisoning investigated
Trending News
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Suspected mass methanol poisoning investigated

ABC  

Sabra Lane: The Australian Federal Police have offered to help Laos officials with their investigations into a suspected mass methanol poisoning which has killed two Melbourne teenagers and four other foreign nationals. Rachel Hayter: As authorities warn Australians about the risks of drinking alcohol in South East Asia, tourist operators there also have messages for young travellers. Rachel Hayter: Mr …

Woman speaks out after almost dying from methanol poisoning in Laos that killed two Aussie teens
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Woman speaks out after almost dying from methanol poisoning in Laos that killed two Aussie teens

Daily Mail  

A British tourist has revealed she nearly died from methanol poisoning after drinking alcohol at the same hostel where two Australian teens tragically lost their lives. British tourist Lucy Davison has warned travellers heading to Southeast Asia about the dangers of alcohol after she suffered methanol poisoning and spent five days in hospital Ms Davison explained it was common practice …

Heartbreaking public tribute to Aussie friends who died from methanol poisoning while on holiday
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Heartbreaking public tribute to Aussie friends who died from methanol poisoning while on holiday

Daily Mail  

A GoFundMe has been set up to help their families Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles' friends have adorned their suburb with tributes in their memory as loved ones call for funds to bring their remains back to Australia. The 19-year-olds from Beaumaris, in Melbourne's southeast, were among six foreign tourists to die last week after a mass methanol poisoning event …

Laos methanol poisonings: Father of Australian teen who died urges government ‘to protect others’ from tainted alcohol
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Laos methanol poisonings: Father of Australian teen who died urges government ‘to protect others’ from tainted alcohol

CNN  

CNN — The father of an Australian teenager who died from methanol poisoning while on a backpacking holiday has issued a plea to the Laos government to fully investigate his daughter’s death and ensure such incidents don’t happen again. In the wake of their daughters’ deaths, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles’ parents have set up a GoFundMe page to help …

Warning to tourists in Laos after methanol poisoning deaths
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Warning to tourists in Laos after methanol poisoning deaths

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government in Laos is “profoundly saddened” by the deaths of foreign tourists from drinking alcohol …

6 tourists die in Laos due to alcohol poisoning: What is methanol, when it can turn fatal? Explained
3 months, 3 weeks ago

6 tourists die in Laos due to alcohol poisoning: What is methanol, when it can turn fatal? Explained

Live Mint  

Six tourists, including two Australian teenagers and a British woman, tragically lost their lives in Laos, likely due to methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol. The Laos government has said it is “profoundly saddened” and is investigating the deaths of six people from suspected methanol poisoning, including a British lawyer. Methanol poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness and decreased consciousness including coma, …

Mark Jones pleads to not let daughter Bianca's death be in vain, urges government action on methanol poisoning
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Mark Jones pleads to not let daughter Bianca's death be in vain, urges government action on methanol poisoning

ABC  

The father of a teenager who died from methanol poisoning while on holiday in Laos has pushed for the local government to act and prevent further tragedies. Mark Jones spoke to media outside Bangkok Hospital in Thailand, where his daughter Bianca Jones was transferred after falling ill from ingesting methanol. Mr Jones urged the Laos government to investigate to the …

What is methanol, symptoms of methanol poisoning and how can tourists avoid it after Laos deaths?
4 months ago

What is methanol, symptoms of methanol poisoning and how can tourists avoid it after Laos deaths?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. British backpacker and lawyer Simone White, 28, from Orpington …

British backpacker who drank at the same hostel bar as Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles reveals grim new details
4 months ago

British backpacker who drank at the same hostel bar as Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles reveals grim new details

Daily Mail  

A British backpacker has revealed she fell violently ill after having two drinks at the same Laos hostel where Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were left fighting for life with methanol poisoning. Bianca Jones family confirmed the 19-year-old had died after a week in a Bangkok hospital in a heartbreaking statement on Thursday Australian teenager Holly Bowles also …

Alcohol poisoning deaths in Laos renew concerns about methanol. Here's what to know
Trending News
4 months ago

Alcohol poisoning deaths in Laos renew concerns about methanol. Here's what to know

NPR  

Alcohol poisoning deaths in Laos renew concerns about methanol. Here's what to know toggle caption Anupam Nath/AP A string of deaths in Laos tied to tainted alcohol has raised alarm around the world and renewed concerns about methanol in alcoholic drinks. On Friday, the U.S. State Department said it was aware of "a number of cases of suspected methanol poisoning" …

6 tourists die after drinking liquor in Laos: What we know so far?
Trending News
4 months ago

6 tourists die after drinking liquor in Laos: What we know so far?

Hindustan Times  

Laos has been hit by an alcohol poisoning incident that has so far claimed the lives of six foreign tourists. Six foreign tourists have died so far in a suspected mass methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng. The deceased included two Australian teenagers, a British woman, two Danes, and one American national, according to the local authorities. After days of silence, …

Laos alcohol death toll at 6 after second Australian teen dies in Bangkok hospital
4 months ago

Laos alcohol death toll at 6 after second Australian teen dies in Bangkok hospital

Firstpost  

The death in the Laos tainted alcohol case has reached six after two Australian teenagers and a British women died in Bangkok. A second Australian teenager who fell critically ill after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos has died in a hospital in Bangkok, her family said Friday, bringing the death toll in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists to six. …

Australian teen dies in tainted alcohol case in Laos that has killed 6 tourists
4 months ago

Australian teen dies in tainted alcohol case in Laos that has killed 6 tourists

Hindustan Times  

A second Australian teenager who fell critically ill after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos has died in a hospital in Bangkok, her family said Friday, bringing the death toll in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists to six. The U.S. State Department on Friday issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang …

Second Australian dies from tainted alcohol in Laos, sixth death reported
Trending News
4 months ago

Second Australian dies from tainted alcohol in Laos, sixth death reported

Hindustan Times  

BANGKOK, - A second Australian woman hospitalised after drinking contaminated alcohol in a popular tourist town in Laos has died, the government said on Friday, the sixth fatality from suspected methanol poisoning. Second Australian dies from tainted alcohol in Laos, sixth death reported Holly Bowles, 19, died in a hospital in neighbouring Thailand, where she had been evacuated for emergency …

6 tourists died in Laos after apparently drinking methanol. What is it and why was it in drinks?
4 months ago

6 tourists died in Laos after apparently drinking methanol. What is it and why was it in drinks?

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Two Australian teenagers and a British woman died from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos. According to the Methanol Institute, the global trade association for the industry, drinking just 25 to 90 ml of methanol can be fatal without proper medical treatment, but can be successfully treated if caught early. Methanol is sometimes added deliberately …

A fifth person dies from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos
4 months ago

A fifth person dies from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

ABC  

Sally Sara: A fifth person has died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. Southeast Asia correspondent Lauren Day reports from Bangkok where Bianca Jones's best friend 19-year-old Holly Bowles remains on life support. Lauren Day: Club president Nick Heath says the 19-year-old's death has left the tight-knit community shattered. Lauren Day: Perth man Bailey Chalmers survived methanol poisoning in Bali …

4 tourist deaths in Laos: What makes methanol poisoning so lethal?
4 months ago

4 tourist deaths in Laos: What makes methanol poisoning so lethal?

Firstpost  

The recent deaths of four tourists in Laos have drawn attention to the dangers of methanol poisoning. This toxic chemical, often found in counterfeit or poorly brewed alcohol, can cause severe metabolic acidosis, blindness, and even death An exterior of the Bangkok Hospital Udon, where an Australian teenager was taken after drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol in Laos and passed …

Four tourists die after suspected tainted alcohol poisoning in Laos
Top News
4 months ago

Four tourists die after suspected tainted alcohol poisoning in Laos

Raw Story  

Four foreign tourists have died after a suspected mass methanol poisoning from drinking tainted alcohol at a backpacker hotspot in Laos, Western government officials and media said Thursday. Two Danish citizens and an American had also died, officials said, after what media said was a night out in Vang Vieng where they drank possibly tainted alcohol. The Vietnamese manager of …

Teen and woman who drank tainted alcohol in Laos have died, bringing toll to 5
4 months ago

Teen and woman who drank tainted alcohol in Laos have died, bringing toll to 5

Associated Press  

VIENTIANE, Laos — An Australian teenager and a British woman have died after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos in what Australia’s prime minister on Thursday said was every parent’s nightmare. The U.S. State Department confirmed that an American had also died in Vang Vieng, and Denmark’s Foreign Ministry said two of its citizens had also died in “the incident in …

Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones dies after Laos methanol poisoning
4 months ago

Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones dies after Laos methanol poisoning

ABC  

Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones has died in hospital in Thailand after consuming methanol-laced drinks during a backpacking holiday in Laos. In a statement published by the Herald Sun newspaper, Ms Jones's family said their "beloved daughter and sister" had passed away. Bianca Jones's friend Holly Bowles has also been gravely ill in hospital following the methanol poisoning. The Beaumaris Football …

Night out drink party turned deadly in Laos: US, Australian tourists among 4 die in alcohol poisoning spree
Trending News
4 months ago

Night out drink party turned deadly in Laos: US, Australian tourists among 4 die in alcohol poisoning spree

India TV News  

Vientiane : An Australian teenager has died after drinking tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, Australia's prime minister said Thursday, and the US State Department confirmed an American also died in the same party town, bringing the death toll to four in the poisoning incident. New Zealand's Foreign Ministry said Thursday that one of its citizens was also unwell in …

I'm an emergency department doctor. Here's how a single sip of methanol puts you on a slippery slope to organ failure - as two Aussie teens fight for life in Thailand
4 months ago

I'm an emergency department doctor. Here's how a single sip of methanol puts you on a slippery slope to organ failure - as two Aussie teens fight for life in Thailand

Daily Mail  

As two Australian best friends cling to life in Thailand hospitals after suspected methanol poisoning, a toxicology expert says there are no warning signs of a fatal dose of the chemical. Methanol tasted and smelt like standard alcohol and was often used as a substitute in illegal alcoholic beverages, Deputy Director and Head of Emergency Medicine at University of Melbourne …

Australian teen continues to fight for her life after poisoned drink - as lurid details about party bar's 'drug menu' comes to light
4 months ago

Australian teen continues to fight for her life after poisoned drink - as lurid details about party bar's 'drug menu' comes to light

Daily Mail  

A fourth person has died after drinking poisoned alcohol as an Australian teenager continues to fight for her life in hospital. Melbourne teen Bianca Jones, 19, died on Thursday after consuming drinks mixed with methanol in the popular Laos party town of Vang Vieng during a gap year trip with her best friend Holly Bowles across South East Asia. Australian …

American and Australian tourists in Laos die of alcohol poisoning, raising toll to 4
4 months ago

American and Australian tourists in Laos die of alcohol poisoning, raising toll to 4

LA Times  

A crowd gathers at a nightclub at Nana Backpack Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, on Tuesday. A young Australian woman has died after drinking tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, in what Australia’s prime minister on Thursday called every parent’s nightmare, and the U.S. State Department confirmed an American also died in the same party town, bringing the death toll …

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones fighting for lives in Thailand after apparent Laos methanol poisoning
4 months ago

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones fighting for lives in Thailand after apparent Laos methanol poisoning

ABC  

The families of Melbourne 19-year-olds Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones are continuing to rally around their daughters hospitalised in Thailand after they drank tainted alcohol while travelling in Laos. "The Beaumaris Football Club extends its love, best wishes and unconditional support to Holly and Bianca in their hour of need," the club said. The Beaumaris Football Club have paid tribute …

Harrowing details emerge of Aussie teens' desperate plea for help after drinking poisoned cocktails and becoming very unwell during 'dream getaway' in Laos
4 months ago

Harrowing details emerge of Aussie teens' desperate plea for help after drinking poisoned cocktails and becoming very unwell during 'dream getaway' in Laos

Daily Mail  

Hostel staff have recalled how two Aussie teens now fighting for life begged for help and claimed that they couldn't breathe after consuming methanol-laced drinks. Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19 from Melbourne, are on life support in separate hospitals after becoming unwell while staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Laos last week. It's also been revealed …

Tourists fighting for their lives after methanol-laced drinks fears in Laos
4 months ago

Tourists fighting for their lives after methanol-laced drinks fears in Laos

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two tourists are being treated in Thailand for suspected severe alcohol poisoning after consuming tainted drinks …

Two Aussie teens who drank poisoned cocktails in Laos are identified - as 19 are rushed to hospital in a critical condition after 'happy hour' at backstreet bar
4 months ago

Two Aussie teens who drank poisoned cocktails in Laos are identified - as 19 are rushed to hospital in a critical condition after 'happy hour' at backstreet bar

Daily Mail  

Parents have flown to Thailand to be by their sides Two young Australian women fighting for life in Thailand after consuming what is believed to be methanol-laced drinks in Laos have been identified. Authorities suspect the girls drank poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of 'vodka' while holidaying in the party town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist magnet about …

Families at bedsides of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones in Thailand after apparent Laos methanol poisoning
4 months ago

Families at bedsides of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones in Thailand after apparent Laos methanol poisoning

ABC  

The parents of two Melbourne 19-year-olds are at their bedsides in separate Thai hospitals as the women fight for their lives after drinking tainted alcohol. Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones were staying at a backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng, a popular party town north of the Laotian capital, Vientiane. According to the owner of the Nana Hostel, they had been …

Two Aussie women are left fighting for life after methanol poisoning at a Laos hostel
4 months ago

Two Aussie women are left fighting for life after methanol poisoning at a Laos hostel

Daily Mail  

Two young women from Melbourne are fighting for life in Thailand, suspected of drinking poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of 'vodka' while holidaying in Laos. The best friends, both believed to be aged 19, were rushed to hospital from the Laotian capital, Vientiane - near Thailand's northern border - after their drinks were reportedly spiked with methanol. A staff …

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