An American citizen dies in Laos amid reports that many tourists have suffered alcohol poisoning

An American citizen has died in a tourist village in the Southeast Asian country of Laos following reports that many tourists have suffered alcohol-related incidents in the same town after drinking contaminated drinks.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the death occurred in Vang Vieng.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and providing diplomatic assistance,” the spokesman said, adding that local authorities were responsible for determining the cause of death. The victim’s name was not released.

Australian media also reported that two Danish tourists died after drinking contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng, but the details were not immediately confirmed.

Asked about media reports, the Danish Foreign Ministry told the Associated Press that “two Danish citizens have died in Laos” but could not provide details “for reasons of confidentiality in personal matters.”

Meanwhile, two Australian tourists were being treated in Thailand for suspected alcohol intoxication after drinking alcohol in Vang Vieng, Australian media reported on Tuesday.

The two women, 19, were on holiday in Laos when they fell ill in Vang Vieng, The Age newspaper reported in the women’s hometown of Melbourne.

Duong Duc Toan, the manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel, said on Tuesday that the staff were told by other guests that the two women were unwell after they failed to check in as planned on November 13, so they arranged transportation for them to the hospital.

He said two days ago the women had joined more than 100 other guests to get free shots of Lao vodka offered by the hostel as a welcome gesture. He said that no other guest reported the matter, and he said that the women go out at night and come back in the morning.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to two Australians and their families in Thailand, but could not provide further information for privacy reasons.

“Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time,” the office said.

They were then taken to Thailand and treated at hospitals in Bangkok and Udon Thani, The Age reported. Their parents flew in to be with them.

It was not clear what the two drank, but methanol is sometimes used as an alcohol in mixed drinks at notorious bars and can cause severe poisoning or death.

Vang Vieng is a very popular tourist town among backpackers looking for party sports and adventure. Business was seen to continue as usual on Tuesday evening in the area near the hostel which is bustling with bars and food stalls.

It was not immediately possible to confirm reports that other tourists were also poisoned in the same incident.

Toan, the manager of the hostel, said he hopes the investigation will clear its name, but for now the hostel has stopped taking free photos of its guests.