Eight staff members of a backpacker hostel in Laos have been detained by local authorities as they investigate the deaths of six foreign tourists from suspected methanol poisoning, according to state-affiliated media in the Southeast Asian country.

Bianca Jones has died after the Australian teenager was poisoned by drinks laced with methanol while on holiday with her best friend in Southeast Asia.

Thai police have confirmed the death of Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones, who became ill after drinking tainted alcohol during a backpacking holiday in Laos.

Police in Laos have detained the manager and seven staff of a backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng following the deaths of six tourists from suspected methanol poisoning, state media reported

The suspected mass poisoning of six tourists in Laos last week has sent shockwaves through the backpacker scene, and highlighted Southeast Asia's problem with tainted alcohol. A Briton, two Australians,

The bodies of two Melbourne teenagers who died in Laos after suspected methanol poisoning have been returned home. Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were among six foreign tourists who died after drinking tainted cocktails.