Teens in Melbourne were stuck in a room for 24 hours due to methanol poisoning.

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were two young travelers who found themselves in a frightening and unexpected situation. After a night of drinking in Vang Vieng, Laos, they became very ill and were unable to leave their dorm room for an entire day. Staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, they were scheduled to check out but failed to do so due to their worsening condition.

As the days went by, their health continued to decline and it was suspected that they had been poisoned by methanol. The girls were put on life support at two different hospitals, one in Bangkok and the other in Udon Thani, both located about eight hours apart. Sadly, two other travelers had also lost their lives to the deadly substance and several others were hospitalized.

Duong Duc Toan, the manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel, shared that the girls had been offered free shots of Lao vodka a few days before their illness. He mentioned that over 100 other guests had also partaken in the drinks, but no one else had reported any issues. It wasn't until the girls returned from a night out and remained in their room for 24 hours that they sought assistance.

Vang Vieng is known as a popular tourist destination, especially for backpackers seeking a mix of partying and adventure. The Australian government's travel advisory, Smartraveller, has since been updated, warning tourists of the potential danger of consuming alcoholic drinks in the area.

The families of Bianca and Holly were devastated by the news and their loved ones' condition. Holly's father was by her side in a hospital in Bangkok, cherishing every moment he could spend with her. In Melbourne, where the girls were from, vigils were held as friends and locals tried to come to terms with the tragedy.

Bowles' father shared that his daughter had just graduated from high school and was taking a gap year to travel, while Jones had recently graduated and started university. The two best friends had been on a dream getaway, filled with joy and incredible adventures until this tragic turn of events.

It was later revealed that methanol, a deadly substance often used as a cheap substitute for ethanol, had been illegally added to the drinks the girls had consumed. Even a small amount of methanol can be fatal, and the families were now facing the devastating consequences.

The Australian government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that consular assistance was being provided to the two girls and their families in Thailand. They expressed their condolences and asked for privacy during this difficult time.

The community was shocked and saddened by the news, especially those who knew the girls personally. The football club where the two girls played was deeply affected, with many teammates struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Methanol, a substance commonly found in products such as paint and fuel, had taken the lives of two young and promising individuals, leaving their loved ones and community in mourning.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]