A fourth person has tragically died after drinking poisoned alcohol while holidaying in South-East Asia, with her family paying tribute to the ‘beloved’ teen in a heartbreaking statement.
Bianca Jones, 19, fell ill in Vang Vieng, Laos, after drinking alcohol poisoned with methanol, according to police.
The Australian, who had been travelling with her friend Holly Bowles, was taken to a hospital in neighbouring Thailand, but has since sadly passed away.
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“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” a statement from her devastated family said.
“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia.
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“The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief and begin to heal. “Thank you for respecting our family’s space.
“With heartfelt appreciation, Mark, Michelle and Lachlan Jones.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to Jones in parliament, saying his thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends ‘who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss’.
“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” he told MPs on Thursday afternoon.
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Albanese added that he hoped Bowles, who remains in Bangkok Hospital, recovers well.
Earlier this week, the Danish Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed two women from Denmark had died, while the US state department has also said a 58-year-old man had died in Vang Vieng.
A 28-year-old British woman named Simone White is also currently recovering in hospital after reportedly being poisoned by the alcohol.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) writes that adverse effects from methanol poisoning may not become apparent until after an asymptomatic period of one to 72 hours.
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Ingestion of methanol can cause several neurological effects, including headaches, acute mania and amnesia.
Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, severe abdominal pain and inflammation of the pancreas while other symptoms include partial to total loss of vision and blood in the urine.
Medline Plus also recommends you seek immediate medical help if you believe someone has been subjected to methanol poisoning or to ring your local poison control centre.
What are others saying about methanol poisoning?
News AU reports that warnings regarding drinking alcohol in the Laos area have been posted on a dedicated backpacking Facebook group.
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One tourist claimed six from their group are currently in hospital with methanol poisoning after drinking ‘free shots’ from a bar in Vang Vieng.
“Our group stayed in Van Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars.
“Just avoid them as so not worth it. 6 of us who drank from the place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.”
They went on to say that they personally felt ‘very fatigued and then fainted’.
“I just felt nauseous and then my liver started to shut down. I got to the private hospital in time but underwent many infusions and tablets and days of recovery,” they added.
Topics: World News, Food and Drink
Jess Hardiman