Four backpackers killed in Laos..."Suspected methanol addiction".

Four foreign backpackers died after drinking alcohol suspected of being mixed with methanol in Laos' tourist destination of Vang Vieng, AFP and AP reported.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said yesterday (21st) that 19-year-old Australian Bianca Jones died while being treated at a Thai hospital, and Jones' friend Holly Bowles is also being hospitalized.

The U.S. State Department also confirmed that "a U.S. citizen has died in Vang Vieng, Laos," but did not give details on the date or cause of his death.

Denmark's foreign ministry also issued a statement saying two Danes were killed in Laos.

Jones and Bowles, from Melbourne, Australia, were taken to hospital last week while staying at a backpacker hostel in Bangieng, Laos.

The Australian newspaper reported that the women drank at a bar in the hostel before going out in the evening.

A Thai official who treated Jones said, "High concentrations of methanol were found in Jones' body."