Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones dies after consuming suspected methanol-laced spirits on holiday in Laos

Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones has died in Thailand after drinking suspected methanol-laced spirits while on holiday in Laos.

Jones, 19, and her friend Holly Bowles were taken to separate hospitals in Thailand after consuming the tainted alcohol at a bar in the town of Vang Vieng last week.

Jones has just died in hospital in Thailand after several days on life support.

Bianca Jones fell ill while on a backpacking holiday in Laos with her best friend. She has since died in hospital. (Facebook)

The pair were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng and drank at the hostel before they went on to drink at another bar on November 11.

They then did not leave their dorm room for 24 hours before they reported feeling unwell last Wednesday and failed to check out as scheduled.

Bowles remains on life support at a hospital in Bangkok.

It’s understood the Melbourne teens informed staff at the Nana Backpackers that they were feeling unwell.

“They come and tell my staff at the reception, the night shift, to bring them, go to hospital,” the Nana Backpackers hostel manager said.

Holly Bowles (right) and her best friend Bianca Jones (left), aged 19, had been enjoying a backpacking holiday with friends in Laos.
Holly Bowles (right) and her best friend Bianca Jones (left), aged 19, had been enjoying a backpacking holiday with friends in Laos. (Supplied)

The hostel manager said the police came to check the alcohol in the venue, which hosts happy hours every night with free vodka and whiskey.

“But it’s very normal. Alcohol is every bar, every hostel, they buy the same,” he said.

9News understands the girls had been to a number of bars while staying in Laos. 

Family members flew to Thailand on Friday to be by the girls’ sides.

Methanol is a clear liquid chemical used in thousands of everyday products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics, and fuels.

It’s often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, according to the Methanol Institute.

Drinking just 25-90ml of methanol can be fatal.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provided 9News with a statement yesterday.

A spokesperson said they were “providing consular assistance” to two Australians and their families in Thailand.

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