Third Aussie ill as eight detained in Laos methanol poisoning

A third Australian has fallen ill after the suspected mass methanol poisoning with eight people detained so far.

A third Australian has fallen ill after the suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos that has claimed the lives of six people – with eight people now detained by police.

Six foreigners, including Melbourne best friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, died of suspected methanol poisoning after consuming laced drinks in the tourist town of Vang Vieng two weeks ago.

According to The Guardian, a third Australian, a dual national, also fell ill as part of the suspected poisoning.

It is understood they are in a stable condition and being supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The other victims of the suspected poisoning include Danish women Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, American man James Louis Hutson, 57, and British woman Simone White, 28.

However Laos Police have only referred to three deaths connected to the poisonings. They did not include Australians Ms Jones or Ms Bowles in their official statement, nor Ms White.

The victims had been staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel, which has since been shut down by police.

Holly Bowles died of suspected methanol poisoning. Picture: Facebook

Her best friend Bianca Jones also died. Picture: Facebook

Speaking publicly on Tuesday, the head of the security forces in Vang Vieng announced eight “staff and management” of Nana Backpackers have been detained, according to Laos state media Laophattana News.

There is no suggestion those detained are responsible for the deaths.

Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng. Picture: AFP

The report stated only three deaths were being investigated.

“The initial cause of the death of the number of tourists is expected because of drinking poisonous drinks and other problems caused three deaths,” the report said.

“The 1st male-American nationality, 57 years old and the other two are female Danish nationality, 20 years old and 21 years old, had a medical condition, sent to the central hospital in Vientiane and died later.

“Investigation Unit is still in the process of co-ordinating with ministries, departments, agencies and relevant stakeholders to collect data and collect samples to find out unidentified information on deaths of foreign tourists this time to be clarified quickly on the basis of inspection, verifying the results of scientific research.”

Simone White. Picture: Facebook

‘Trip of a lifetime’

Holly and Bianca had travelled to the small town 130km north of Vientiane earlier this month during a “trip of a lifetime”.

“This was meant to be a trip full of lifelong memories, and was to be the first of many,” Bianca’s dad Mark Jones said.

“Bianca wanted to explore the world, meet new friends, lead and create change for good.”

Mr Jones urged the Laos government to investigate the incident “to the fullest extent”.

“We can’t have the passing of our daughter … not lead to change to protect others.”

The friends died in separate hospitals after being found sick in their room at the Nana Backpacker Hostel on November 13.

Vang Vieng is a popular holiday spot for backpackers. Picture: AFP

Australia offers support

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday Australia had offered to support authorities in Laos in the investigation, including through the assistance of the Australian Federal Police.

“The Foreign Minister has been in direct contact with her counterpart, Minister Wong has underscored our expectation the investigations are thorough and transparent,” Mr Albanese told parliament.

Mr Albanese said Australian officials would work closely with their international counterparts “to co-ordinate approaches” in an effort to prevent another “tragic incident” like this occurring again.

“We want to work with other governments based upon this experience to see whether any action can be taken,” he said.

“Obviously it is a sovereign nation, Laos, but I know they are devastated as are the governments of other countries who have been impacted by this.”

The Laotian government has promised to bring the perpetrators to justice, saying in a statement on Saturday the nation was “profoundly saddened over the loss of lives of foreign tourists”.

“The government of the Lao PDR has been conducting investigations to find causes of the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law,” it said.