Vang Vieng in Laos.
Photo: CHAPUT FRANCK / HEMIS.FR / AFP
The ABC understands a third person has died in Laos after drinking tainted alcohol, as two Australian teenagers continue to fight for their lives following the mass poisoning incident.
Melbourne 19-year-olds Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones are critically ill after they drank alcohol suspected to have been tainted by methanol at a bar in Vang Vieng in Laos last Tuesday.
Bowles and Jones are currently hospitalised in Thailand.
On Thursday morning the US State Department said a US citizen had died in Vang Vieng. It is understood at least two Danish women in their 20s have died, with at least 10 people falling ill after drinking the alcohol.
“We can confirm the death of a US citizen in Vang Vieng, Laos,” the US State Department said.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to their family on their loss.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and providing consular assistance.”
Holly Bowles’s family say they are in a state of disbelief about what has happened.
Photo: Facebook
The Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) yesterday updated its travel advice for Laos following the methanol poisonings, telling travellers to “be alert to the potential risks, particularly with spirit-based drinks including cocktails” in the country.
On Wednesday Shaun Bowles, Holly’s father, said his daughter remained on life support at Bangkok Hospital.
“We’d just like to thank everyone from back home for all the support and love that we’re receiving,” he said.
“But we’d also like for people to appreciate right now we just need privacy so we can spend as much time as we can with Holly.”
Jones’ family is by her bedside at the Bangkok Hospital Udon Thani in Thailand’s north.
The Beaumaris Football Club in Melbourne’s south-east, where Bowles and Jones are members, has sent messages of support to the pair.
“By their deeds and involvement in the girls and women’s football programs, both Holly and Bianca have become cherished and highly respected members of the Beaumaris Sharks family,” the club wrote on social media.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are also with their parents Samantha and Shaun Bowles, Michelle and Mark Jones as well as their extended families and friends.”
– ABC News