Australian tourist dies after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos party town
The poisoning incident in Vang Vieng has left Bianca Jones, two Danes and an American traveller dead
An Australian teenager has died after drinking tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, Australia’s prime minister said on Thursday, and the US State Department confirmed an American also died in the same party town, bringing the death toll to four in the poisoning incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones had died after being evacuated from Laos for treatment in a Thai hospital. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalised in Thailand.
Meantime, the State Department confirmed that an American tourist had also died, but said it had no further comment out of respect to the families.
“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese told lawmakers, adding “we also take this moment to say that we’re thinking of Bianca’s friend Holly Bowles who is fighting for her life”.
“We are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us,” Jones’ family said in a statement to Australia’s Herald Sun newspaper.
“The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling.”
