[CRAIG NIGRELLI]
THE DEATH TOLL FROM A MASS POISONING OF FOREIGN TOURISTS IN LAOS HAS RISEN TO SIX, AFTER A SECOND AUSTRALIAN TEENAGER PASSED AWAY.
NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD HOLLY BOWLES DIED IN A BANGKOK HOSPITAL DAYS AFTER BEING EVACUATED FROM THE BACKPACKER TOWN OF VANG VIENG, WHERE SHE AND HER FRIEND, BIANCA JONES, FELL CRITICALLY ILL AFTER A NIGHT OUT. JONES, ALSO 19, DIED EARLIER IN THE WEEK. OTHER VICTIMS INCLUDE AN AMERICAN TOURIST, TWO DANISH TRAVELERS, AND A BRITISH LAWYER, ALL BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN POISONED BY METHANOL-TAINTED ALCOHOL.
THE INCIDENT HAS TRIGGERED INTERNATIONAL HEALTH ALERTS, AS METHANOL POISONING REMAINS A PERSISTENT DEADLY THREAT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. METHANOL, OFTEN USED IN COUNTERFEIT OR POORLY DISTILLED LIQUOR,…
