Multiple staff from a hostel at the centre of a suspected mass poisoning in Laos, which claimed the lives of six foreign tourists, have been arrested by police.
Eight men aged 23-47, from the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng are in custody following arrests by police on Monday, a local news site reported. All of those detained by Vang Vieng police are believed to be Vietnamese nationals.
Local reports suggest another 12 foreign tourists were hospitalised after drinking at the Nana Backpacker Hostel. Early testing indicated methanol was present in beer and spirits at the venue.
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Those arrested included a ‘Mr Yeungvanhoun, 34, Mr Hongieng Manhoung, 38, Mr Bouyvandat 35, Mr Jikkauk, 23, Mr Yeungduktoun 47, Mr Hngiengsuieng, 28, Guang Chung 44, along with an eighth man, 42, Lao Phatthana News reported.
There is no suggestion that those detained are responsible for the tourists’ deaths.
It comes as a backpacker has taken it upon himself to investigate the extent of trouble fellow travellers are facing in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist spot in Laos.
Six tourists, including Brit Simone White, have tragically died from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming contaminated drinks at the hotspot frequented by young people.
The victims, including Simone, 28, Danish women Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, American man James Louis Hutson, 57, and Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, were all staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel, which local police have since closed down.
(Image: AP)
However, a European traveller who claims to have been friends with some of the deceased has conducted his own small survey of 20 people.
He found that 14 out of those he questioned had either fallen ill themselves or knew someone who had while staying at the hostel. It remains unclear whether these individuals suffered from common ailments associated with travel to less developed countries or something more serious, as was the case with the six fatalities.
The man, currently travelling through Southeast Asia, shared his findings online, according to Australian news outlet news.com. au.
He claims he was attempting to fill the gap left by Laotian authorities. As part of his report, he spoke to a woman who tried to assist his deceased friends, reports the Mirror.
She alleged that the hostel failed to call an ambulance even when one of the women began having a seizure.
In a bizarre twist, an employee allegedly massaged the Danish woman’s toes and feet, claiming it was just a panic attack and assured onlookers, “‘I’m saving her, don’t worry’.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that Australia had offered to help Laos authorities with the investigation, including support from the Australian Federal Police. Mr Albanese stated that Australian officials are set to work closely with international partners “to co-ordinate approaches” to prevent another “tragic incident” like this.
He remarked: “We want to work with other governments based upon this experience to see whether any action can be taken.”
He acknowledged Laos’ sovereignty but noted their devastation, as well as that of other affected countries. The Laotian government has vowed to bring those responsible to justice, expressing deep sorrow for the foreign tourists’ deaths.
Their statement declared: “The government of the Lao PDR has been conducting investigations to find causes of the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law.”
A hostel spokesperson claimed they purchased the alcohol from a certified distributor and denied any tampering by staff. They informed the Associated Press: “Right now the police (are telling) every hostel and hotel and bar to stop selling drinks in Vang Vieng.”
So far, no charges have been made regarding the incident.
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