Australian Teens Critical After Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos

Two Melbourne teenagers remain on life support in Thailand following a mass methanol poisoning incident during their backpacking trip in Southeast Asia.

• Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, fell critically ill after consuming drinks believed to contain methanol in Vang Vieng, Laos.
• The teens were transported to separate hospitals in Thailand, where they are currently receiving intensive medical care.
• The incident has resulted in at least two deaths and over a dozen hospitalizations, prompting warnings about alcohol consumption in the region.
• Local authorities and the hostel where the teens stayed are investigating the source of the tainted alcohol, with no other guests reportedly affected.
• Methanol is a toxic substance sometimes illegally added to alcoholic drinks, and even small amounts can be fatal or cause severe health issues.

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