Young Tourist Dies After Suspected Poisoning at Bed-Bug-Infested Bali Hostel; Multiple Guests Hospitalized
A tragic incident has unfolded at a budget hostel in Bali, where a young tourist died and at least ten others were hospitalized following suspected mass poisoning. The case has raised serious concerns about safety and hygiene at the accommodation and sparked calls for thorough investigation.
Deadly Incident at Clandestino Hostel in Canggu
The fatality occurred at the Clandestino Hostel located in the popular tourist area of Canggu, Bali. Chinese tourist Deqing Zhuoga, aged 25, fell severely ill shortly after a communal dinner at the $9-a-night hostel. She experienced violent vomiting and chills, collapsing in her room. Zhuoga was later found unresponsive in her bunk and pronounced dead on September 2. Her friend and roommate, Leila Li, was hospitalized as well, spending five days in intensive care. Li described the harrowing experience, saying Zhuoga was too weak to call for help and suffered alone for hours. She herself sought medical attention multiple times before being admitted to the hospital, only to learn later of Zhuoga’s death.
Multiple Guests Affected
According to an official police report from Kuta Police, several other guests at the hostel also fell ill with similar symptoms. Among them were German travelers Melanie Irene and Alisa Kokonozi, Saudi national Alahmadi Yousef Mohammed, Filipino guest Cana Clifford Jay, and Chinese tourist Leslie Zhao. More than 20 guests reportedly experienced illness, with at least ten in critical condition.
Leslie Zhao, who checked in shortly after the initial outbreak, recounted nearly dying after vomiting and fainting continuously for over seven hours. She expressed frustration at the lack of staff response to calls for help.
Suspicion of Poisoning and Bedbug Infestation
While the official cause of death for Zhuoga was recorded as acute gastroenteritis and hypovolaemic shock, friends and some medical professionals suspect something more sinister. Leila Li’s doctor allegedly confirmed pesticide and food poisoning as causes for her symptoms. Li also observed an adjacent room quarantined for bedbug fumigation the night before the incident, raising concerns over chemical exposure.
Online reviews prior to the incident had already flagged a bedbug problem at Clandestino Hostel. Some guests complained about undisclosed infestations and questioned the hostel’s transparency regarding cleanliness and pest control.
Hostel and Police Responses
The hostel’s receptionist reportedly checked on Zhuoga before midnight and took her to a nearby clinic. Due to lack of funds, she received only medication and was returned to the hostel, where she later died. Another receptionist discovered Zhuoga lying face down the next morning and found her unresponsive.
Police have confirmed an investigation is underway given the number of affected guests with identical symptoms. A spokesperson for Clandestino Hostel stated that the establishment is fully cooperating with authorities and is committed to resolving the situation, expressing sympathy for those impacted.
However, some guests remain skeptical, accusing the hostel of attempting to cover up the severity of the situation and continuing operations despite the tragedy.
Safety Concerns for Travelers
The incident serves as a stark warning for travelers planning to stay in budget accommodations. Bali remains a favored destination, especially among Australians, with millions visiting annually. Yet, alongside the numerous positive experiences, cases like this highlight the importance of researching accommodations carefully, heeding warnings from reviews, and remaining vigilant about hygiene and safety.
As investigations continue, authorities and the hostel face mounting pressure to ensure transparency and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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