Introduction
Laos town Vang Vieng is known to be an unusual party hub for young travellers. But in the early 2000s it underwent a remarkable transition. However, it went from being a small party town to now party central. But the popular hotspot has been struck with tragedy.
The 6 victims
6 people have died of suspected methanol poisoning. This all took place at the Nana Backpacker Hostel over the course of November.
The first 3 victims were two young Danish women, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman (20) and Freja Vennervald Sorensen (21). The 2 women were found unconscious in their hostel bedroom. This was after going into a bar in the city the previous night. They were transported to a hospital and died in the middle of the night due to a sudden heart failure. James Louis Hutson (57) was of American nationality. His death was discovered after hostel staff realised that he hadn’t come out of his room. He was found dead, lying on the bed surrounded by several empty drinks glasses. All 3 died of suspected methanol poisoning after drinking with alcohol that had been tampered with.
Additionally, this past Friday, 3 more victims were recorded to have died. This was all from the suspected consumption of drinks laced with methanol. Australian teen Holly Bowles (19) was the 6th person to die. News of her death was announced hours after that of British lawyer Simone White (28). Bowles’s best friend, Bianca Jones (19), also died the day before.
In addition to the 6 deaths, a further 11 people have been hospitalised following methanol poisoning.
The Governor of Vang Vieng launches an investigation
The Governor of Vang Vieng, Bounchan Malavong, visited the hostel. Upon this he promised a thorough investigation and vowed to bring justice to those responsible for the deaths. Following this, the hostel has been closed for investigation.
Nana Backpackers Hostel has fallen under great controversy, with most of the scrutiny falling on them. The hostel manager has denied any responsibility, claiming that the hostel had served the same drinks to at least 100 other guests that night, with no problems reported.
