Several Australians are in a critical condition in hospital after a suspected alcohol poisoning incident at a resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast.
According to ABC, seven guests fell seriously ill on Saturday night after consuming alcoholic drinks at the Warwick Resort.
The victims, aged between 18 and 56, were rushed to Sigatoka Hospital with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and neurological complications.
Due to the severity of their conditions, two were later transferred to Lautoka Hospital for specialised treatment. Four of the seven affected individuals are believed to be Australians.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed on Sunday evening that it is providing consular assistance to two Australian families involved in the incident but declined to offer further details, citing privacy obligations.
In response to the event, DFAT updated its travel advice for Fiji, warning travellers of the risks associated with drink spiking and methanol poisoning. “Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,” the Smart Traveller advisory now states.
“Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking.”
Local media reports that Fijian authorities, including police and health inspectors, are investigating the source of the suspected poisoning, which has raised concerns about the safety of alcoholic beverages served in resorts.
The incident comes just weeks after a similar tragedy in Laos, where two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, were among six people who died from methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol.
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