Additional Coverage:
Tourists Hospitalized in Fiji After Tainted Cocktail Incident
Six tourists were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking pina colada cocktails at a resort bar. The incident occurred at the Warwick Fiji resort on the Coral Coast. The victims included an American and four Australians.
Symptoms and Investigation
The tourists experienced nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms. They were transferred to a larger hospital, and two remain in intensive care.
The health ministry and police are investigating the cause. Toxicology tests are expected to take several days.
Denial of Methanol Poisoning
Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka denied that methanol poisoning was the cause. He stated that it was an isolated incident and that Fiji’s tourism industry was generally safe.
Separate Incident in Laos
The incident in Fiji follows a similar one in Laos last month, where six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning. The victims included two young Australians, a Briton, two Danish women, and an American. The manager and staff of a hostel were detained for interrogation.