Young Tourist Dies, Dozens Fall Ill Amid Alleged Poisoning at Bali Hostel
A tragic incident has unfolded at a budget hostel in Bali, where a young Chinese tourist lost her life and at least ten others were hospitalized following a suspected mass poisoning. The incident took place at Clandestino Hostel, located in the popular tourist area of Canggu, raising serious concerns over the safety and sanitary conditions at the accommodation.
Incident Details
On September 2, 25-year-old Chinese tourist Deqing Zhuoga, who was staying at the hostel for just $9 a night, suddenly became violently ill after a communal dinner. She collapsed with severe symptoms, including uncontrollable vomiting and chills. Despite initial attempts to seek medical treatment, Zhuoga was later found unresponsive in her bunk and pronounced dead.
Her friend and roommate, Leila Li, was also hospitalized and spent five days in intensive care following the incident. Li recounted how Zhuoga was too ill to move or call for help, suffering alone for hours while other guests sought assistance. “I managed to ask for help and got taken to a medical center three times before finally being hospitalized,” Li said. She only learned of Zhuoga’s death upon her discharge from the hospital.
Multiple Victims and Police Investigation
Authorities report that more than 20 guests fell ill following the outbreak, with symptoms including vomiting and fainting. The victims identified in the official Kuta Police report include travelers from various countries: German tourists Melanie Irene and Alisa Kokonozi, Saudi national Alahmadi Yousef Mohammed, Filipino guest Cana Clifford Jay, Chinese tourist Leslie Zhao, and others.
Police Inspector Ahmad confirmed that given the number of guests reporting similar symptoms, a thorough investigation of the hostel premises is underway. The official cause of Zhuoga’s death was recorded as acute gastroenteritis and hypovolemic shock; however, the precise source of the suspected poisoning remains unconfirmed.
Allegations of Pesticide Exposure
Leila Li has alleged that her medical tests indicated pesticide poisoning alongside food poisoning as the cause of illness. She noted that on the night before the incident, adjacent rooms at the hostel had been fumigated for bed bugs and were closed off, suggesting a possible connection to toxic exposure.
Other guests also described poor responses from hostel staff, with one tourist stating that after vomiting and fainting repeatedly, calls for help went unanswered. There is growing speculation among guests that there may be an attempted cover-up to downplay the seriousness of the incident.
Bed Bug Infestation: A Longstanding Issue
Online reviews reveal that concerns about bed bug infestations at Clandestino Hostel are not new. Previous visitors have criticized the hostel for not being transparent about pest problems, with some overhearing cleaning staff discussing infestations.
Despite the gravity of recent events, some guests say hostel operations continue as normal, further fueling outrage and calls for the establishment to be shut down.
Official Responses and Broader Context
Clandestino Hostel released a statement expressing cooperation with authorities and extending condolences to those affected. They emphasized their commitment to resolving the matter during the ongoing investigation.
Bali remains an immensely popular destination for international tourists, especially Australians, who accounted for nearly a quarter of arrivals on the island in 2024. However, incidents like this, along with other disturbing cases involving tourists, underscore the importance of vigilance and thorough research when choosing accommodations.
Travel experts and health authorities encourage visitors to thoroughly check reviews and warnings before booking hostels or budget accommodations, and to report any suspicious health issues promptly.
This unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of potential health risks in popular travel destinations and highlights the critical need for enhanced safety and hygiene standards in hospitality services. Authorities continue investigating to determine the exact cause and to prevent future tragedies.
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