6 days Ago By Dominic Giannini and Jacob Shteyman
Four Australians hospitalised in Fiji with suspected alcohol poisoning is bringing on a “terrifying sense of deja vu” after a mass poisoning in Laos. Australian authorities are providing consular assistance to two families at the popular tourist destination after seven people fell ill after drinking alcohol at a resort . Warwick Fiji said it was aware of the news and was waiting for health authorities test results “to gather all necessary information” about the incident at its hotel.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today “Please rest assured that we are taking this matter very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation,” it told AAP in a statement. “We do not have conclusive details but we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests.” Tourism Fiji chief executive Brent Hill told RNZ Pacific all seven guests were in stable condition and symptoms had improved but it was too early to speculate on the exact cause.
It was limited to one bar at the one resort, he said. Australia has revised its travel advice for Fiji, warning travellers to “be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks”. Labor frontbencher Jason Clare branded it terrifying news and warned Australians travelling abroad to be careful when drinking.
Consular officials were on the ground helping the Australians and their families and Fijian officials, including police, were conducting an investigation, he said. “There’s a real terrifying sense of deja vu, it’s only a month ago two young Australian women died in Laos from methanol poisoning,” he told ABC TV on Monday. “Then when we wake up to hear this horrific news in Fiji, I’m sure all Australians have their heart in mouth and are hoping for the best.
” Nineteen-year-old Melbourne friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died in Thai hospitals in November of suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos..
