November 19th 2024.
A group of teenagers from Melbourne, Australia has found themselves in a devastating situation while on a backpacking holiday in Laos. Among them is 19-year-old Holly Bowles, who is currently on life support in a Thai hospital after a tragic drink-spiking incident. It's been reported that methanol was involved, and two other travelers have already lost their lives while several others have been hospitalized.
Holly and her best friend Bianca Jones had been enjoying their trip with a group of friends when they suddenly fell ill. They had just graduated from high school and were looking forward to exploring the world together. Holly had even been working at Frank's Melbourne, a local cafe in Cheltenham, for the past two years. The cafe's manager, who preferred to remain anonymous, described Holly as an "absolute star" and a beloved member of their team. The staff at the cafe are devastated by what has happened and are praying for Holly's recovery.
The incident has left the entire community in shock, and the cafe where Holly worked was closed yesterday as a mark of respect. However, it has now opened its doors again, and the manager has shared that they will continue to support Holly and her family in any way they can.
According to reports, Holly and Bianca had informed the staff at their hostel, Nana Backpackers, that they were feeling unwell. The hostel's manager revealed that the police had come to check the alcohol in the venue, as they often do, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He explained that alcohol is readily available in bars and hostels in the area and that it's not uncommon for people to consume it.
It's believed that Holly and Bianca had visited multiple bars during their stay in Laos. Unfortunately, their fun holiday took a tragic turn, and their families had to fly to Thailand to be by their side. They arrived in Bangkok on Friday and have been at the hospital ever since.
Methanol is a dangerous chemical that is found in many everyday products, including cosmetics and fuels. In this case, it was illegally added to alcoholic drinks, which can be fatal if consumed in even small amounts. The Methanol Institute warns that drinking just 25-90ml of methanol can be lethal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided a statement to 9News, confirming that they are aware of the situation and are providing consular assistance to the affected families. They expressed their sympathy for the families and their commitment to respecting their privacy during this difficult time.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, the community is coming together to support Holly, Bianca, and their families. The 9News app is a great resource for staying updated on the latest news, sports, politics, and weather. Download it now to receive notifications directly on your smartphone. Our thoughts are with Holly, Bianca, and all those affected by this terrible incident.
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