Backpacking, drinking at a hot place...Deaths in countries around the world are 'alarming' [Now News]

Four foreign backpackers died after drinking alcohol suspected of being mixed with methanol in Laos' tourist destination of Vang Vieng, AFP and AP reported.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said yesterday (21st) that 19-year-old Australian Bianca Jones died while being treated at a Thai hospital, and Jones' friend Holly Bowles is also being hospitalized.

"Bianca Jones tragically lost her life," she said, adding that the incident was "every parent's worst fear and nightmare."

The U.S. State Department also confirmed that "a U.S. citizen has died in Vang Vieng, Laos," but did not give details on the date or cause of his death.

Denmark's foreign ministry also issued a statement saying two Danes were killed in Laos.

Jones and Bowles, from Melbourne, Australia, were taken to hospital last week while staying at a backpacker hostel in Bangieng, Laos.

The Australian newspaper reported that the women drank at a bar in the hostel before going out in the evening.

A Thai official who treated Jones said, "High concentrations of methanol were found in Jones' body."

Drinking methanol can lead to serious addiction or death.

In connection with the incident, New Zealand's Foreign Ministry said, "Travelers should be careful to consume alcoholic beverages, especially alcoholic beverages that may have been mixed with cocktails and harmful substances."

Bangbieng is called the "Holy Place for Bag Travel" in the West and other countries around the world, and it is widely known through entertainment programs such as Youth Over Flowers in Korea, and it is also a place where many Korean tourists visit.

a journalist | Hong Joo-yeAI Anchor|Y-GO
Edit Caption | Lee Mi-young


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