An investigation has been launched after suspected toxic alcohol was served to hostel guests(Image: AP)

Laos poisoning: Australian teen becomes fourth person to die as tourists urged to avoid drinks

The family of Australian teen Bianca Jones, 19, expressed their "deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received" from across the country

by · The Mirror

An Australian teenager has been confirmed as the fourth tourist to die following a suspected mass poisoning at a Laos resort.

The family of Bianca Jones, 19, today confirmed she had died. Her confirmed death comes after the US State Department said an American had died in Vang Vieng, a town known for its influx of tourists.

Laos officials said two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, had also died following the incident. Bianca's friend Holly Bowles and a British woman are understood to still be on life support.

Police have launched an investigation into the deaths although reports from the BBC said they might have consumed alcohol containing methanol, a substance sometimes found in bootlegged alcohol. While ethanol is a key part of alcohol, methanol is toxic and is added to some bootleg liquor as a cheap way to increase the alcohol content.

At least four people have died in the suspected mass poisoning incident( Image: AP)

US officials said they were "closely monitoring" the situation regarding the American victim. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said officials in the country had also confirmed Bianca's death. He said today: "Our first thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss.

"This is every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure." Both UK and Australian officials warned citizens to be careful when consuming alcohol in Laos.

Nana Backpacker Hostel, where the two Australians had been staying, told the BBC it had closed amid a police investigation into the deaths. The manager told the Associated Press they hoped the investigation would clear the hostel's name.

It had been reported that hostel staff had given out free shots of Lao vodka to 100 guests at the hotel. Bianca's family told Australian outlet the Herald Sun that they expressed their "deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief and begin to heal."