Tragedy Strikes in Laos: Six Tourists Die from Suspected Methanol Poisoning

Police Detain Hostel Staff in Connection with Incident

Police in Laos have taken into custody the manager and seven staff members of a backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng, following the deaths of six tourists from suspected methanol poisoning. The incident has sent shockwaves through the travel community, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the tragedy.

The Victims

The six tourists who lost their lives were from Denmark, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. They were all in their early twenties and had been staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng. The incident occurred on November 12, after a night out in the town.

The Suspected Cause

Alcohol tainted with methanol is suspected to be the cause of the deaths. Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can be added to liquor to increase its potency, but it can also cause blindness, liver damage, and death. The UK and Australian authorities have warned their citizens to be aware of the risk of methanol poisoning while consuming alcohol in Laos.

The Detained Staff

The 34-year-old manager of the Nana Backpackers Hostel and seven other employees, all of whom are Vietnamese nationals, have been taken into custody for interrogation. Local media reports suggest that all those detained are Vietnamese nationals.

Vang Vieng: A Popular Destination

Vang Vieng has been a fixture on the Southeast Asia backpacker trail since Laos’ secretive communist rulers opened the country to tourism decades ago. The town was once known for its party scene, with backpackers flocking to the area for alcohol-fueled jungle parties. However, the town has since rebranded itself as an eco-tourism destination, offering a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Government Response

The Laos government has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and has launched an investigation into the incident. On Saturday, the government said in a statement, “We express our sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. We are working to find the cause of the incident and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of tourists in Laos.”

What You Need to Know

* Six tourists from Denmark, the US, the UK, and Australia died from suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos.
* The incident occurred on November 12, after a night out in the town.
* The 34-year-old manager and seven staff members of the Nana Backpackers Hostel, all Vietnamese nationals, have been detained for questioning.
* Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can cause blindness, liver damage, and death.
* UK and Australian authorities have warned their citizens to be aware of the risk of methanol poisoning while consuming alcohol in Laos.

FAQs

* What happened to the tourists?
Six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos.
* Who are the detained staff?
The 34-year-old manager and seven staff members of the Nana Backpackers Hostel, all Vietnamese nationals.
* What is methanol?
Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can cause blindness, liver damage, and death.
* What is the government doing about the incident?
The Laos government has expressed its condolences and launched an investigation into the incident.