A second Australian has died as Laos Police reportedly detain hostel owner over allegedly poisoned methanol

A second Australian woman has now died in a suspected mass methanol poisoning event while travelling Laos.

Holly Bowles, 19, died on Friday. Her friend Bianca Jones, also 19, died on Thursday.

Six people have now died, including a 28-year-old British woman, two Danish women, an American man and Ms Jones and Ms Bowles.

The owner of a backpacker hostel where two young Australians teenagers were staying before they fell violently ill after allegedly consuming a poisoned cocktail has been detained by police for questioning in Laos.

“It is with broken hearts and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” Bowles’ family said in a statement late on Friday.

“We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness to so many people.

“Holly was living her best life travelling through South East Asia meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.

“As her parents we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did. Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him

“We would like to thank everyone from back home, in Canada and around the world for the love and support that Holly and our family have received.”

The two friends had allegedly drank some alcohol suspected to have been laced with methanol. Several other international tourists were also sickened, with the death toll now at five.

It’s understood that the owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel where the two friends had been staying was detained on Friday for questioning by police in Laos, according to the ABC.

The two Aussies are believed to have started their night with free drinks at the hostel before heading out to other bars.

The ABC reports the hostel previously claimed the drinks in question did not come from its bar.

The family of Ms Jones confirmed her death on Thursday.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” they said in a statement.

“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love and prayers we’ve received from across Australia.

“The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling.

“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief and begin to heal. Thank you for respecting our family’s space.”

It is thought as many as 10 other people have fallen ill in the same mass drink-spiking, with six tourists now dead.

The Danish Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed two young women from Denmark had died as a result of a poisoning in Laos, which is still being investigated by local authorities.

British woman Simone White, from Orpington in Kent, had also died days after consuming drinks in Van Vieng.

The 28-year-old was an associate lawyer specialising in intellectual property and technology in London at the American law firm Squire Patton Boggs, according to The Times.

It is understood the Melbourne teens drank the deadly cocktails while visiting the tourist town of Vang Vieng, about 130km north of Vientiane in Laos on November 11.

They were staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel and consumed drinks at the bar before heading out to another venue, staff at the hostel have said.

Holly and Bianca were taken to hospital on November 13 by hostel night staff after they reportedly complained of difficulty breathing.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who made a statement in parliament on Thursday following Bianca’s death, has released a new statement on Friday night.

“I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Holly Bowles,” the statement said.

“This should have been a trip filled with joy and wonderful memories - it is beyond sad that is it not to be.

“My thoughts and my deepest sympathies are with her family and her friends.

“I am sure all Australians are thinking of Holly and her best friend Bianca Jones who tragically passed away yesterday.

“The Australian government will continue to provide support Holly and Bianca’s families and the local authorities.”