The government of Laos has expressed that it is “profoundly saddened” by the tragic loss of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, with the number of deaths from a suspected methanol poisoning incident rising to six.
Among the deceased are two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton, and two Australians, all of whom were transported to the hospital after a night out in the popular backpacker destination, Vang Vieng.
These individuals were part of a group of around a dozen foreigners who fell ill and were rushed to medical facilities shortly after November 12.
In a statement published on its website, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos conveyed its “sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” also noting that an investigation is currently underway.
Australia is urging Laotian authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Vang Vieng has long been a staple on the Southeast Asia backpacker trail since Laos’ secretive communist regime opened its doors to tourism decades ago.
Once associated with rowdy backpacker parties in the jungle, the town has since rebranded itself as an eco-tourism hub.
The Vietnamese manager of the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where the tourists were residing, has been taken into custody for questioning, according to Laos tourist police who informed AFP.
No charges have been filed at this time.
Authorities in Laos were unavailable for comment.
Methanol-tainted alcohol, typically found in industrial and household products like antifreeze, is believed to be the cause behind these fatalities.
This substance can be mixed with liquor to enhance its potency but poses severe health risks, including blindness, liver damage, and even death.
Danish, Australian, and British officials have issued statements confirming the deaths of their nationals in the week following the incident.
On their travel advisory websites, authorities from the UK and Australia have cautioned their citizens about the dangers of methanol poisoning while consuming alcohol in Laos.
However, in Vang Vieng, business appeared to continue as usual.
“I’ve heard the news, but everything seems normal here,” said Michael, a manager at Vangvieng Rock Backpacker Rooftop Hostel, speaking to AFP on Friday and requesting to use only his first name.
“The high season is approaching, so we are welcoming more and more tourists daily.”
“There are still plenty of tourists in town, and they are out partying,” a receptionist at Vang Vieng Chill House Hostel told AFP.
