The government of Laos has broken its silence over the deaths of six tourists from methanol poisoning, saying it is “profoundly saddened”.
In its first statement since reports emerged last week that tourists had become ill in the town of Vang Vieng, the government expressed its “deepest condolences” to the victims, while vowing to “bring the perpetrators to justice”.
Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, died in Thai hospitals this week after consuming alcoholic drinks while holidaying in Vang Viang.
A further four foreign tourists from Denmark, the UK and the US have also died.
Laos state media has confirmed the operators of the Nana backpacker hostel, where Ms Bowles and Ms Jones were staying, have been detained for questioning.
The Associated Press reports that an officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office said a “number of people” had been detained, but no charges had been filed yet.
The government’s statement on Saturday said it was investigating the cause of the incident.
“The government of the Lao PDR is profoundly saddened over the loss of lives of foreign tourists in Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province and expresses its sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” the statement reads.
“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.
“The government of the Lao PDR reaffirms that it always attaches the importance and pays attention to the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists.”
The owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where the two women stayed, has been detained, according to state media. (Facebook: Nana Backpacker Hostel)
Earlier on Saturday, more than 100 people gathered for a vigil for Ms Bowles and Ms Jones in Melbourne’s south.
Ms Bowles had been on life support in a Bangkok hospital during the week, with her family at her bedside.
Her death was announced on Friday evening, about a day after the news of her friend Ms Jones’s death.
The toll from the incident in Vang Vieng stood at six following their deaths.
Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer, was confirmed by the UK government to have also died from ingesting methanol.
Two Danish women and an American man have also died.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the federal government would “continue to support Holly and Bianca’s families, just as we will continue our efforts with local authorities on investigations into this tragedy”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its travel advice for Laos following the methanol poisonings, telling travellers to “be alert to the potential risks, particularly with spirit-based drinks, including cocktails” in the country.