The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed condolences following the death of a second Australian teenager who succumbed to methanol poisoning after consuming tainted liquor in Vang Vieng, Laos. The teen was part of a group of about a dozen individuals who fell ill after a night out on November 12. Six fatalities have been reported so far, including two Australians, two Danes, an American, and a Briton.
Methanol, a toxic substance sometimes illicitly added to alcohol to increase potency, is suspected to be the cause of these deaths. It can lead to severe health issues, including blindness, liver damage, and death.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong pledged to continue pressing Lao authorities for a thorough investigation. The Lao government has also expressed its condolences and is actively investigating the incident.
Social media platforms like the “Drama-addict” Facebook page have identified counterfeit vodka as the likely culprit. While the exact source remains unclear, the page noted that only some bottles appear to be tainted, as others reportedly caused no harm.
Authorities have detained the Vietnamese manager of the Nana Backpackers Hostel, a central location in the incident, for questioning. Meanwhile, the UK and Australian governments have issued warnings to their citizens about the risks of consuming alcohol in Laos.
