During a news conference, it was disclosed that only two patients remained in Lautoka Hospital, and they were reported to be in a “stable condition” while receiving intensive care. David Sandoe, an Australian man, shared with Sky News Australia that his daughter and granddaughter had been hospitalized but were now discharged and scheduled to fly back home on Monday night. The health ministry and police force in Fiji were actively investigating the situation, with Gavoka mentioning that results from crucial toxicology tests would typically require three to four days for analysis.
Expressing a sense of disbelief over the unfortunate events, Gavoka responded to inquiries about the potential link to methanol poisoning by stating that such a scenario was not considered plausible in Fiji. While refraining from speculating on the exact cause, he stressed that the incident appeared to be an isolated occurrence. He reassured the public that Fijian tourism, which annually draws nearly a million visitors, was generally regarded as very safe. The minister dismissed the notion that the incident was a deliberate act, emphasizing that the hotel bar in question was quite busy that evening. Despite this, only seven individuals fell ill after consuming pina coladas that were typically considered harmless.
A representative from the Warwick Fiji hotel mentioned that an investigation was underway, awaiting test results from health authorities to shed light on the situation. The spokesperson affirmed the hotel’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its guests, acknowledging the lack of definitive information at the present moment. Meanwhile, Australia’s foreign ministry disclosed that consular assistance was being provided to two affected families, choosing not to provide further details due to privacy considerations.
In a separate tragic incident in Laos the previous month, a group of individuals including citizens from Denmark, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, tragically passed away due to suspected methanol poisoning following a night out in Vang Vieng. Among the victims were Briton Simone White, Australian duo Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, as well as Danish pair Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman and Freja Vennervald Sorensen. The only male victim was 57-year-old U.S. citizen James Louis Hutson.
Local authorities took swift action by detaining the 34-year-old manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel and seven other staff members for questioning in connection with the incident. This series of tragic events underscored the dangers associated with methanol poisoning and the devastating impact it can have on unsuspecting individuals.
The circumstances surrounding these incidents have raised concerns about the safety and oversight of alcohol consumption in hospitality establishments, prompting a reevaluation of existing protocols and regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the investigations into these incidents continue, authorities and stakeholders are working diligently to provide clarity and ensure the well-being of individuals affected by these unfortunate occurrences.
