The Danish Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that a Danish citizen has died in Vietnam. This confirmation came through a statement reported by Ekstra Bladet.
In the statement, the ministry noted, “We can confirm that a Danish citizen has passed away in Vietnam. Relatives have been notified.” However, the ministry has not provided further details due to confidentiality obligations regarding personal matters.
Circumstances of the incident
Currently, authorities have not shared information about the circumstances surrounding the individual’s death, which leaves many questions unanswered regarding how the incident occurred. Reports confirm that the Danish citizen in Vietnam has died, as Vietnamese media reported on Wednesday that locals found a young foreign man dead in a drowning accident in the city of Hôi An.
Ekstra Bladet indicates that a young Dane was missing in Hôi An for over 24 hours before officers discovered his body. Local officials are actively investigating to clarify the details and circumstances of the incident.
This announcement follows the ministry’s earlier confirmation on Tuesday that two other Danish citizens also died in Laos, Vietnam’s neighboring country. Reports indicate that the deceased women were in their twenties. While visiting Vang Vieng, a small town known for its vibrant party scene, they consumed drinks that allegedly contained methanol. Their group, which included about ten individuals, visited a local bar on November 12, 2024, where they were offered shots mixed with this toxic alcohol.
Methanol poisoning concerns
On November 13, hotel staff found the two women and several others from their group unwell in their rooms at Nana Backpacker Hostel. Authorities later airlifted the two Australian women to hospitals in Bangkok and Udon Thani for treatment. It remains unclear whether the Danish women died in Laos or while receiving care in Thailand.
Additionally, at least ten other individuals have reported illness linked to methanol consumption in the area. Local authorities have not provided further clarification regarding the circumstances that led to these incidents.
Duong van Huan, the owner of Nana Backpacker Hostel, firmly denied any involvement in serving methanol-based drinks. He stated that police have conducted thorough checks at his hostel and nearby establishments where the drinks were purchased. In a bid to reassure the public, Duong emphasized, “I truly care for all the guests at our hotel and hostel. We maintain strict quality controls.”
Community warnings
Following these unsettling events, tourists have begun issuing warnings on social media about the risk of methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng. One individual shared cautionary advice, urging others to avoid local spirits, stating, “Six of us who drank from the same place are currently in the hospital with methanol poisoning,” according to ABC News.
Methanol, commonly known as wood alcohol, is a highly toxic substance. It is sometimes illicitly added to alcoholic beverages because it is cheaper than ethanol, the safe form of alcohol typically found in spirits. Consuming methanol can be extremely hazardous, even in small amounts, potentially leading to death.
A call for vigilance
As investigations into these tragic incidents continue, authorities stress the need for travelers to remain vigilant regarding safety measures when visiting foreign countries. The Danish Foreign Ministry emphasizes the importance of staying informed and cautious, especially with the recent developments in the area.
Source: Ekstra Bladet
