BANGKOK: A second young Australian tourist died in a Thai hospital on Friday (Nov 22), bringing the death toll related to suspected methanol poisoning in a Laos backpacker hotspot to six.
Two Danish citizens, an American and a Briton have also died after what media described as a night out in adventure town Vang Vieng.
The group of about a dozen tourists became ill after going out on Nov 12, according to British and Australian media.
“All Australians will be heartbroken by the tragic passing of Holly Bowles,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.
“Just yesterday, Holly lost her best friend, Bianca Jones.”
“I know tonight all Australians will be holding both families in our hearts,” the foreign minister added.
Jones’ bereaved family said in a statement to Australia’s Herald Sun newspaper that they “are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us”.
“The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling.”
Australian officials are now pressing Laotian authorities for a full and transparent investigation into what happened.
At the Bangkok hospital where Bowles had been reportedly receiving treatment, staff said they could not confirm her presence.
AFP has contacted Australia’s embassy in Bangkok for comment.
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