Laos factory owner arrested in methanol poisoning tourist tragedy
In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves across the globe, police in Laos arrested the owner of a factory believed to be the source of a deadly methanol poisoning incident that tragically claimed the lives of six foreign tourists. The factory, situated on the outskirts of Vientiane, the capital city, is suspected of producing toxic batches of the local favourites, Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey.
The victims, including Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, two Danish women, 20 year old Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and 21 year old Frela Vennervald Sorensen, a 57 year old American named James Louis Hutson, and 28 year old British lawyer Simone White, fell ill after consuming the lethal concoctions in Vang Vieng. This bustling tourist town, located 129 kilometres north of Vientiane, is now the chilling scene of this tragic tale.
The victims had all been staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where police have clamped down, arresting eight staff members as part of the ongoing investigation. Jones and Bowles were rushed to separate hospitals in Thailand on November 13 but, tragically, neither survived. Jones passed away surrounded by loved ones at Udon Thani Hospital, while Bowles succumbed in Bangkok Hospital.
Laos police acted swiftly, shutting down the dilapidated factory and imposing an immediate ban on Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey. The Ministry of Health’s Department of Food and Drugs has confirmed that the ban will remain in effect “until the manufacturer improves the factory production process to ensure safety and quality according to standards,” as reported by ABC.
Currently, the factory stands deserted, with blue plastic tarps draped over piles of empty bottles and the remnants of a small fire visible outside. Tiger Whisky packaging lies amid the debris, serving as a grim testament to the ongoing investigation.
Police have arrested 12 people connected to the tainted alcohol. Among them, two Indian men, aged 24 and 30, and a 35 year old Filipino woman working at the hostel where Jones and Bowles stayed were apprehended last week, although no charges have yet been filed.
In response to the crisis, SmartTraveller updated its travel advice on November 19, urging holidaymakers to steer clear of the dubious drinks due to “serious safety concerns.”
The advisory highlighted an order from Lao authorities prohibiting the sale and consumption of the suspect spirits over health risks.
The bodies of Jones and Bowles were flown back to Melbourne on November 26, where grieving family and friends awaited their return. The tragedy unfolded after the pair were found unresponsive in their rooms following an evening spent at Nana’s bar and nearby Jaidee Bar.
Mark Jones, Bianca’s father, has called for accountability and justice in what he sees as a preventable tragedy.
“I was heartened to hear that there’s been some action in Laos, but I will continue to push our government to take firm steps against those responsible. We cannot let our girls’ deaths be in vain and allow this to continue.”
In a chilling revelation, it has emerged that several travellers had attempted to warn others via Google reviews to avoid Nana Backpackers Hostel.
Their warnings, which could potentially have saved lives, were swiftly removed.
“Do not go here!! They have methanol in their drinks and me and 3 others have been hospitalised because of this.”
Another shared the dire effects they experienced, and a third spoke of hearing “several stories of people who ended up in the ICU or even died.”
Nana Backpackers Hostel, in damage-control mode, allegedly dismissed the claims as “slander,” asserting their commitment to guest safety.
“Our hostel has been operating for five years, and during this time, we have always prioritised the safety and well-being of our guests. We take any claims like this very seriously.”
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how such a tragic oversight could occur and what measures will be implemented to prevent future calamities.
The Daily Mail reached out to Google for a comment on the removed reviews but has yet to get a reply.
