### Second Australian Teen Dies After Drinking Tainted Alcohol in Laos

In a tragic development, a second Australian teenager has succumbed to illness after consuming tainted alcohol in Laos, according to her family. Holly Bowles, aged 19, who had been on life support in a Bangkok hospital for over a week, passed away, bringing the death toll in this mass poisoning incident to six.

"We are devastated to announce that our beloved Holly is now at peace," her family stated, noting that "Holly brought immense joy and happiness to many." This statement was distributed to Australian Network 10 and other local media outlets.

In Vang Vieng, where the poisoning occurred, local authorities have detained several individuals but have not yet pressed charges. The Nana Backpacker Hostel, which remains operational though not accepting new guests, has confirmed that both its manager and owner are among those being questioned.

The U.S. State Department issued a health alert for travelers in Laos, warning of suspected methanol poisoning from locally consumed alcoholic beverages. Australia's prime minister recently confirmed the death of another 19-year-old Australian, Bianca Jones, in a Thai hospital, where she had been taken for urgent medical care.

The incident has drawn international attention. A British woman, Simone White, also died due to the poisoning. Additionally, reports indicate that an American and two Danish tourists succumbed to the suspected methanol poisoning. New Zealand's Foreign Ministry indicated that one of its citizens was also potentially affected.

Simone White's family expressed their grief in a statement released through Squire Patton Boggs, the law firm where she worked, saying they were "devastated by the loss" and extended their sympathies to other affected families.

Laos, governed by a one-party communist system, has released minimal information about the incident. Authorities in Vang Vieng and the local hospital have remained tight-lipped, directing inquiries to local health office officials who, in turn, declined to comment without proper authorization.

Methanol, often used as a cheaper alternative to ethanol in unscrupulous establishments, or produced as a byproduct in poorly distilled spirits, can cause severe poisoning or death when consumed.

Vang Vieng, a favored hotspot for backpackers, has been heavily affected by this incident. Long-time resident and restaurant owner Neil Farmiloe noted the widespread concern among visitors but expressed hope that this was an isolated incident.

The unfortunate deaths of the two Australian teenagers, who fell ill after a night out on November 13, underscore the dangers travelers face. Both were initially found unresponsive in their hostel room and later transported to Thailand for emergency medical intervention. Thai authorities confirmed Jones's death was attributed to "brain swelling due to high levels of methanol."

Prior to his detention, Duong Duc Toan, the manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel, recounted that the affected women had participated in communal drinking of Laotian vodka at the hostel before venturing elsewhere and returning early in the morning, only to fall gravely ill.