Second Australian Tourist Dies from Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos

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A second young Australian tourist, Holly Bowles, died on Friday in a Thai hospital, bringing the death toll related to suspected methanol poisoning to six. The group of tourists had fallen ill after a night out in Vang Vieng, a well-known backpacker hotspot in Laos, on November 12. Along with Bowles, five others have died, including two Danish citizens, an American, and a Briton.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her condolences, stating, "All Australians will be heartbroken by the tragic passing of Holly Bowles." She added that Australians would be keeping both Bowles’ and her best friend Bianca Jones’ families in their thoughts.

Australian officials are urging Laotian authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. At the Bangkok hospital where Bowles was reportedly treated, staff declined to confirm whether she was a patient there. Vang Vieng, a popular destination for adventure-seeking travelers, has long been part of the Southeast Asia backpacker trail.