At least four tourists, including a U.S. citizen, have died after seemingly consuming alcohol tainted with methanol while traveling in Laos, officials said.
The American, who was not identified, died in Vang Vieng, a town popular with backpackers located just outside the Southeast Asian country’s capital, the U.S. State Department said.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss,” a spokesperson said.
The suspected mass poisoning has also left two Danish women and an Australian woman, identified as 19-year-old Bianca Jones, dead, according to reports. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday confirmed she died after being evacuated from Vang Vieng for treatment in a Thai hospital.
According to Thai authorities, Jones died from “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.” Her friend, who is also 19, meanwhile, remains hospitalized, Albanese said. The duo were enjoying a “dream getaway” when they at some point apparently consumed beverages tainted with methanol, which is sometimes mixed into drinks as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death.
“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese said. “We also take this moment to say that we’re thinking of Bianca’s friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life.”
In a statement to the Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper, Jones’ family asked for privacy while they mourned their loss.
“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us,” the family wrote.
Denmark’s Foreign Ministry said two of its citizens had also died in “the incident in Laos,” but did not provide their specific causes of death, citing privacy laws.
Earlier this week, the U.K issued a travel advisory for Laos, warning residents to be aware of what they are drinking.
“You should take care if offered, particularly for free, or when buying spirit-based drinks. If labels, smell or taste seem wrong then do not drink,” it said.
Australia and New Zealand have since followed suit.