Third Australian in hospital after methanol poisoning in Laos that killed six tourists
A third Australian is recovering in hospital after a suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos.
Melburnians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, and four other foreigners died in recent weeks after falling ill in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town in Laos.
A third Australian also fell ill in the suspected poisoning incident.
Their condition is reportedly stable and they are receiving support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Local media have reported that eight people have been arrested over the deaths of an American man and two Danish women in Van Vieng, but there was no mention of the two Australians or a British woman who also died from suspected methanol poisoning.
The arrested men were identified as hotel staff and management.
The Australian Federal Police have offered to assist the Laos investigation, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese telling Parliament the government had made it clear to officials they expect a thorough and transparent investigation.
Friends of the teenagers from Beaumaris, in Melbourne’s south-east, have decorated their suburb with blue and yellow ribbons in their memory.
The friends were on holiday in Laos when they checked out of Nana Backpacker Hostel on November 13 after heading to Jaidee Bar.
Ms Jones and Ms Bowles were evacuated to Thailand and died in separate hospitals in Bangkok after their parents rushed to their bedside.
Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones (pictured) died after suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos
Eight employees of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where Melbourne teenager Holly Bowles (above) died after drinking a contaminated drink, were arrested on Monday
Early tests found methanol was present in beer and spirits served at the Nana Backpacker Hostel (pictured)
