What is methanol poisioning that killed four tourists in Laos

Four people, including an Australian teenager and an American tourist, have died after a suspected methanol poisoning incident in Vang Vieng, Laos. The incident involved several tourists who fell ill after consuming tainted alcohol.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the death of 19-year-old Bianca Jones in Parliament on Thursday. Jones passed away in a Thai hospital after being evacuated from Laos. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalized in Thailand.

The U.S. State Department confirmed the death of an American tourist but provided no further details. Danish authorities also reported the deaths of two Danish citizens in Laos, but did not explicitly link them to the poisoning incident.


Albanese expressed his condolences, stating: “This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure.” He also mentioned Jones' friend, Holly Bowles, saying: "we also take this moment to say that we’re thinking of Bianca’s friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life.”

What is Methanol Poisioning

The Australian teenagers fell ill on November 13th after consuming drinks with a group. Authorities believe the drinks were tainted with methanol, a toxic substance sometimes used in counterfeit alcohol. New Zealand's Foreign Ministry reported one of its citizens is also unwell in Laos, potentially linked to methanol poisoning.

According to NCBI, "Methanol (CH3OH) is a toxic alcohol that is found in various household and industrial agents. Methanol exposure can be extremely dangerous, with significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated."

New Zealand and other countries have now updated travel advisories, urging caution when consuming alcohol in Laos, particularly cocktails and spirits.