Aussie teenager dies from suspected methanol-laced cocktail while visiting Laos

One of the two Melbourne teenagers, who have been fighting for life in hospital after methanol poisoning in Laos, has tragically died.

One of the Australian teenage girls on the trip of a lifetime in Southeast Asia has died in a Thailand hospital after consuming drinks laced with methanol.

Bianca Jones, 19, was on the trip of a lifetime with her best friend, Holly Bowles, when they reportedly consumed alcoholic drinks in Laos. It is suspected the drinks were laced with the deadly chemical.

The pair were taken to separate hospitals in Thailand for life-saving treatment after seeking medical assistance at their accommodation, Nana’s Backpackers Hostel.

Ms Jones’ death marks the fourth linked to the suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos, with two women from Denmark and a man from the US also dying as a result of consuming the chemical in the last week.

19-year-old Australian teenager Bianca Jones has died, her family confirmed.

Ms Jones travelled to South East Asia for the trip of a lifetime with her friend, Holly Bowles.

‘Heaviest of hearts’

On Thursday, the family of Ms Jones confirmed the teenager had died in a statement to the Herald Sun.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” the statement read.

“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.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia.

“The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling.

“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief and begin to heal. Thank you for respecting our family’s space.”

Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos. Picture: Supplied

Ms Jones’ family made it to Thailand in time to see the teenager before she died.

Bianca went to Mentone Girls Grammar, while Holly attended Beaumaris Secondary College in Melbourne. Both girls played football for the Beaumaris Football Club.

The pair stayed at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, about 130kms north of Laos’ capital, Vientiane. It has been reported the pair were found unwell in their room by hostel staff after consuming cocktails late last week at an unconfirmed location.

Before Ms Jones’ passing, the teenager’s family told the Herald Sun they “can’t believe what has happened to our angel”.

“Our beautiful Bianca was on a dream getaway with her best friend Holly,” they said.

“They were filled with joy and had such incredible adventures ahead of them, travelling through Asia.

“We are here by Bianca’s bedside praying for her.

“Please respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Holly Bowles is on life-support in a hospital in Thailand.

Ms Bowles was travelling with Ms Jones when the poisoning occured.

Colleagues of Ms Bowles, who is understood to still be on life-support in a Thai hospital, worked at a popular eatery known as Frank’s Melbourne cafe in Cheltenham. Earlier this week, her colleagues described her as an “absolute star”.

“She’s a bundle of joy — to know her is to love her,” a staff member told The Age on Tuesday.

“We’re just praying for the family. She’s just a loyal, caring sweet person.

“We value her so much as a friend as well as a colleague.”

There has also been reports of methanol poisoning happening in Vang Vieng, Laos. Picture: iStock

Methanol is often deliberately added to alcoholic drinks as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, which is the normal alcohol used in alcoholic beverages.

This usually occurs in countries where taxes on ethanol are seen as too high, according to the Methanol Institute.

Consuming as little as 25 - 90 millilitres of methanol can be fatal.

Symptoms of poisoning can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, blindness and seizures.

On Monday afternoon, a spokesperson Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed to news.com.au that they were providing assistance to two Australians in Thailand.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to two Australians and their families in Thailand,” a DFAT spokesperson said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with them at this deeply distressing time.

“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

Politicians offer ‘heartfelt sympathies’

Foreign Minister Penny Wong offered her “heartfelt sympathies” to Ms Jones’ family, and said Holly’s family “remain in our thoughts”.

“Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are far too common in too many parts of the world,” Senator Wong said.

“So at this time I would say to parents, to young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again.”

Speaking in parliament Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was “every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare no one should have to endure”.

“All Australians offer them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak,” Mr Albanese said.

“Bianca’s trip should’ve been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come. Memories that she should’ve carried with her into the long, bright future that lay ahead of her.

“It is beyond sad that this was not to be.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said: “On behalf of the coalition we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this beautiful young girl. The story has been shocking from the moment it was reported.”

Chilling warnings

In a Facebook group dedicated to backpacking in the area, one tourist warned others about the dangers of drinking alcohol after they claimed six from their group are currently in hospital with methanol poisoning.

They say they were given “free shots” from a bar in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town in Laos.

“Urgent, please avoid all local spirits,” they wrote.

“Our group stayed in Van Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars.

“Just avoid them as so not worth it. 6 of us who drank from the place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”

The tourist said they were recovering after the scare.

Methanol is sometimes used in cocktails in some countries due to being less expensive to make.

The teens were travelling in Southeast Asia. Picture: iStock

“Personally I was very fatigued and then fainted,” they explained.

“I just felt nauseous and then my liver started to shut down. I got to the private hospital in time but underwent many infusions and tablets and days of recovery.”

Back in August this year, six people died in the Thai capital Bangkok while a further 31 were hospitalised after drinking a herbal liquor spiked with methanol.

Thai authorities claim that those who consumed the drink had likely obtained it from one of 18 different locations in Bangkok and had all bought it from the same supplier.

The supplier allegedly told police that she purchased the alcohol from two brothers and did not know it had been laced with methanol.