Six visitors from other countries, two of them teenagers from Australia, died in Laos from suspected methanol mixed drinks. The tragedies happened in Vang Vieng, the favorite destination among travelers and tourists who enjoy numerous bars and restaurants, beautiful landscapes and environment.
Among the victims are two girls from Australia- Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles who were, 19 years old, got severely sick after going out. Jones died last Thursday and Bowles breathed his last in a Thai hospital the following day. Other victims were a British lawyer, an American tourist and two Danes.
Research indicates that the deaths resulted from methanol in alcohol, which people use to fraudulently add volume to their liquor. Methanol a poisonous substance may lead to nausea, organ failure, and even death. A small amount is poisonous when swallowed.
Persons in authority in Lao have arrested the owner and the manager of a hostel where some of the victims were found. The authorities have pledged to pursue the culprits with the intention to enhance security of tourists.
These countries include United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada which has warned its citizens against taking unregulated alcohol in Laos. Consumers are warned to only buy their alcoholic drinks from licensed sellers and to check bottles for any sign of interference.
However, in the last couple of years, it has come up with new image trying to become an eco-tourism site. Nonetheless, these cases demonstrate continuing threat of uncontrolled alcohol in the region.
Methanol poisoning is a common topic in Southeast Asian countries due to improper implementation of safety measures and unchecked sale of affordable illicit or home brews. This same has happened in Indonesia, the Philippines and India, which experienced similar earlier in recent years claiming hundreds of lives.
The families of those who have lost their dear ones have mourned and demanded that the authorities should increase the work to prevent similar disasters from happening in the future. At the same time, adding, tourists are continuing to be encouraged not to relax their guards, and be cautious during their travelling.
