Methanol-Laced Drinks in Laos Kill Six Tourists, Prompting Global Warnings

The deaths of six travelers, including two Australians, highlight the dangers of tainted alcohol in South-East Asia and raise questions about safety regulations.

• Six tourists, including Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, died after consuming methanol-laced alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, with 11 others hospitalized.
• Methanol poisoning, often linked to bootleg or tainted alcohol, is a recurring issue in South-East Asia, with symptoms easily mistaken for a severe hangover.
• The Lao authorities have detained the manager and owner of a hostel where some victims stayed, but investigations into the source of the contaminated alcohol are ongoing.
• Experts warn that even small quantities of methanol can be fatal, and travelers are advised to avoid unregulated or homemade alcoholic beverages in the region.
• Governments, including Australia's, have issued updated travel advisories urging caution, as families of the victims call for accountability and stronger safety measures.

66 Articles

The Seattle Times NDTV The Sydney Morning Herald Le Parisien The Guardian The Sydney Morning Herald BBC New York Post 9News Australian Broadcasting Corporation SBS News 9News Australian Broadcasting Corporation Forbes The Guardian Evening Standard BBC The Independent Libération The Telegraph Metro BBC The Guardian People Sky News Sud Ouest BBC Libération The Telegraph Hindustan Times Metro Evening Standard The Independent Newsweek Metro Der Tagesspiegel Le Parisien Newsweek CBS News CNN BBC Associated Press Associated Press SBS News The Age BILD Evening Standard The Guardian Brisbane Times Australian Broadcasting Corporation The Sydney Morning Herald The Sydney Morning Herald Associated Press ABC News CNA Metro Australian Broadcasting Corporation Sky News Business Insider NDTV CNA UPI CNN