Danish father’s stern warning to travellers after methanol poisoning kills daughter Freja Vennervald Sorensen in Laos

The parents of a Danish backpacker who died after methanol poisoning in Laos have revealed how they found out their daughter had been targeted as they issued an urgent plea to other travellers.

The grieving parents of Danish backpacker Freja Vennervald Sorensen who died of methanol poisoning in Laos found out about the tragedy through a holidaymaker who was due to meet up with their daughter.

Ms Sorensen and her friend Anne-Sofie Orkid Coyman, aged 21 and 20 respectively, were among six tourists who died while on holiday in Vang Vieng, Laos.

Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, were also among the deceased and funerals will be held in Melbourne for Ms Jones on Friday and Ms Bowles on Monday.

Danish backpacker Freja Vennervald Sorensen died from methanol poisoning in Laos. Picture: Supplied.

In an interview with Danish publication DR, it reported that Karsten Sorensen, Freja’s father, who recently returned from Laos to bring his daughter home, warned of the risks young travellers face when abroad.

“We won’t get Freja again,” he told the Danish publication.

“But I am left with the thought that all the young people who travel out into the world must know that this (poisonings) is something to be aware of.

“It’s really important to me.

“It must not be in vain”.

Freja’s mother Rikke Vennervald Sorensen said it was only that the pair were contacted by another holidaymaker in Laos who was due to meet up with Freja when they realised something was wrong.

Raising the alarm with the Sorensen family, Freja’s parents contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs only to later have two police officers attend their home to deliver the tragic news.

“We can’t help but think how long it would have been if we hadn’t raised the alarm ourselves,” Ms Sorensen said.

Freja’s parents only realised something was wrong when contacted by another holidaymaker, her mother says.

“It is thought-provoking, and it is also part of the warning.

“That you cannot expect the same help from the authorities in other countries as in Denmark”.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated its guidance to jetsetters on its Smartraveller page for Indonesia, urging travellers to be on high alert that their drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances.

“Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don’t leave food or drinks unattended,” the Smartraveller page warns.

“Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Bali and Lombok”.

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also last week updated its guidance for young people travelling overseas with similar messaging.

“Buy your own food and drinks and always keep them under supervision,” the ministry warned.

“Say no to free food and drinks from strangers.

“There is a risk that anesthetic substances will be added”.

Laos police have detained the backpacker hostel manager but no charges have been laid.