Six foreign tourists — including two 19-year-old Australian women, a 28-year-old British lawyer, and citizens from the US and Denmark — have died in Vang Vieng, Laos, in a suspected methanol-poisoning incident. Lao authorities say investigations are underway and have detained hostel staff while multiple countries issue travel warnings. Methanol is a toxic industrial alcohol that can be fatal in small amounts; prompt medical treatment is critical.
Six Foreign Tourists Die in Vang Vieng, Laos, in Suspected Methanol Poisoning; Governments Warn Travelers
A general view of Vang Vieng and the surrounding landscape in Laos, on July 18, 2022. - Reutes/File
Six foreign tourists have died in Vang Vieng, Laos, in what Lao authorities and state media describe as a suspected mass methanol-poisoning incident, officials and foreign governments said. Victims include two 19-year-old Australian women, a 28-year-old British lawyer and nationals from the United States and Denmark.
What happened
Local and international reports say the two Australian teenagers became ill after a night out in the popular backpacker town and were later evacuated to Thailand for treatment. One of them, Bianca Jones, was reported to have died in Laos; Holly Bowles, also 19, had been treated on life support in Thailand and was later reported deceased. British lawyer Simone White, 28, has been confirmed among the dead. The US and Denmark also confirmed fatalities of their citizens.
Official response and investigation
Laos’ government announced an investigation and said it would "bring the perpetrators to justice." State media and the Lao News Agency (KPL) reported that at least three of the deaths are believed to be linked to consumption of tainted alcoholic beverages. Local police detained the manager and owner of a hostel where some victims had been staying; no formal charges had been publicly filed at the time of reporting.
Bianca Jones, left, and Holly Bowles, were backpacking in Laos when they became ill after a night out. - Facebook
International warnings
The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada issued travel warnings advising citizens to avoid homemade or unlicensed alcoholic drinks and to buy beverages only from licensed bars, hotels or stores. The US Embassy in Laos issued a health alert urging travellers to check bottles for signs of tampering and to seek immediate medical help for suspicious symptoms.
Why methanol is dangerous
Methanol is a toxic alcohol used in industrial products such as paint thinners, antifreeze and cleaning fluids. It can be mistaken for or illicitly mixed into drinking alcohol because it is a clear, colorless liquid like ethanol. According to health authorities, ingesting as little as 30 millilitres (about 1 ounce) can be lethal. Untreated methanol poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, blindness, organ failure and death; fatality rates are reported to range from roughly 20% to 40% depending on dose and timing of treatment.
Medical and public-health context
British lawyer Simone White died in Laos. Her law firm paid tribute, saying she had a "bright future ahead of her." - Squire Patton Boggs/X
Symptoms of methanol poisoning can take up to 24 hours to appear and may include dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting and visual disturbances. Rapid medical diagnosis and treatment — which can include administration of antidotes and supportive care — are critical to reduce the risk of permanent injury or death.
Regional pattern and past outbreaks
Methanol outbreaks occur worldwide when the chemical is accidentally or deliberately added to alcoholic drinks. Thousands of cases are reported annually, often linked to bootlegged or homemade liquor. Notable recent mass-poisoning events include a 2019 outbreak in India that killed more than 150 people and another 2019 incident in the Philippines that killed at least 11 people.
Local impact
Vang Vieng is a scenic town in northern Laos long favored by backpackers. Although local authorities curtailed many of its riskier party activities in 2012 and repositioned the town as an eco- and adventure-tourism destination, its nightlife reputation persists. The incidents have alarmed residents and businesses that rely on tourism, and local owners expressed concern about potential damage to the town’s reputation and the community’s safety.
Tourists eat dinner at a hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, on November 19, 2024. - Anupam Nath/AP
Consular assistance
Foreign ministries, including those of New Zealand and Australia, confirmed they are providing consular support to nationals affected or to families of the deceased. Authorities in Laos said they are collecting evidence and witness statements as part of the investigation.
Advice for travellers
Health officials and embassies recommend that travellers avoid homemade or unlicensed alcohol, purchase beverages from licensed sellers, inspect bottles for tampering, and seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as severe nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, abdominal pain or sudden extreme dizziness.
This article was compiled from reporting by international and local media and updates have been added as new information became available.
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