Terrified travelers tried to warn others about suspected methanol being served in drinks at a hostel now under police investigation after the deaths of six people.
Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19 and from Melbourne’s Bayside, and four other foreign tourists died after falling ill two weeks ago in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town in Laos.
They all stayed at the Nana Backpackers Hotel, where eight staff have now been arrested by police.
It has since emerged that travelers tried to warn others in the now-deleted Google reviews, the ABC revealed.
One traveler wrote: ‘Don’t go here!! They have methanol in their drinks and I and three others have been hospitalized because of it.”
Another claimed they stayed there for five days and got sick from the alcohol.
“Myself and my friends were sick from consuming the free vodka here,” they wrote.
‘People we know have been taken to hospital with serious problems, some even in intensive care.
Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones (pictured) died after suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos
Eight employees of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, where Melbourne teenager Holly Bowles (above) died after drinking an allegedly contaminated drink, were arrested on Monday
Pictured: Now-deleted Google reviews warning other travelers about the hostel
‘Those in hospital have all had traces of methanol in their bloodstream, which is incredibly dangerous.’
Another reviewer said they had “heard several stories of people ending up in intensive care or even dying” after consuming drinks served in the hostel’s bar.
In response, Nane Backpacker Hostel branded the claims as ‘slander’.
‘Our hostel has been in business for five years and during this time we have always prioritized the safety and well-being of our guests. We take such claims very seriously,” an account from the hostel replied.
The reviews were subsequently removed from Google.
Daily Mail Australia contacted the search engine giant for comment.
Despite the closure of the hostel and the arrest of eight staff members, no charges have been filed.
It comes as an Australian traveler revealed the hostel was still serving shots to guests even after three guests died.
Early tests suggested methanol was present in beer and spirits served at the Nana Backpackers Hostel (pictured). Eight employees have now been arrested
Harry Ough, 19, said he had no idea about the suspected mass poisoning when he checked in on Nov. 15.
US citizen James Louis Hutson, 56, was found dead on the floor of his hostel room on November 13, the same day two Danish women and Ms Bowles and Ms Jones were admitted to hospital.
‘We drank a lot of shots. Everyone did it. I think we drank a lot that first night and then there were rumors all night that some of the girls were getting infected or something,” Mr Ough told the ABC.
The Australian backpacker claimed there was a heavy police presence the next morning, but the hostel staff seemed unperturbed and one of them lit up a joint.
Incredibly, the hostel offered free shots that evening.
“They had the free shots again and the second night no one touched the drinks,” Mr Ough added.
“So I think at that point everyone knew something was going on here and we didn’t party as hard the second night because there were all these police around and we weren’t sure.”
Daily Mail Australia previously revealed how a friend of two Danish victims Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, had warned them to ‘be careful’ before they died.
“The first thing I told them was that it’s beautiful, but they had to be very careful with everything in Vang Vieng because there were drugs everywhere,” the friend said.
‘We stayed in touch until the last day, they told me they had a good time and really enjoyed it.
The two girls’ fathers Shaun Bowles (left) and Mark Jones (right) at Melbourne airport after bringing their daughters’ bodies home
A chilling warning given by new girlfriend to two Danish women before they go on holiday to Laos, as tourist opens up about grim consequences
On Wednesday it emerged that a third unknown Australian was recovering in hospital after allegedly drinking methanol.
Their condition is reportedly stable and they are receiving support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The Australian Federal Police has offered to assist with the investigation in Laos, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese telling Parliament the government had made it clear to officials they expect a thorough and transparent investigation.
The bodies of best friends Ms Jones and Ms Bowles were flown to Melbourne on Tuesday evening.
Friends of the pair, from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s south-east, have decorated their suburb with blue and yellow ribbons, the color of the teenagers’ football team.
The pair were on holiday in Laos when they fell ill and were unable to check out of Nana Backpackers Hostel on November 13 after a night at the nearby Jaidee Bar.
They were evacuated to Thailand and died in separate hospitals in Bangkok after their parents rushed to their bedside.
The bodies of best friends Ms Jones and Ms Bowles (pictured together) were flown to Melbourne on Tuesday evening
DFAT said in a statement that Australian representatives were assisting local authorities and had provided consular assistance to the families of the two teenagers.
“Australian officials in Laos and Thailand are working closely with local authorities. Investigations are ongoing and we are providing all the assistance we can.”
After her body landed in Melbourne, Ms Jones’ father Mark said his family would try to put their lives back on track following the tragedy.
“We want to mourn, we miss our daughters desperately,” he told reporters at Tullamarine airport.
However, he said more must be done to ensure those responsible for the suspected contamination of beer and spirits are held accountable.
“I was pleased to hear that there is some movement in Laos, and I will continue to urge our government to prosecute those responsible,” Jones said.
“We cannot allow our girls to die and this to continue to happen.”
A fundraiser for the families had raised $330,000 as of Wednesday morning, prompting loved ones to expand their efforts to raise awareness about methanol poisoning.
The three objectives are to alleviate the financial burden on families, support educational measures on methanol poisoning and finance awareness campaigns.
The grieving families are now trying to raise $500,000.
“Your contributions, kind words and willingness to share their story have inspired us beyond measure,” the Jones and Bowles families said in a statement on their website. GoFundMe page on Tuesday.
“Every dollar raised will help make a lasting impact and ensure their story saves lives. We are so grateful for your support and hope you will continue to support us as we work toward this greater goal.”