A popular Bali hostel has broken its silence following a tragic mass illness event that left one young backpacker dead and ten others fighting for their lives in intensive care.
Fatal Discovery at Canggu Hostel
The incident unfolded in early September at the Clandestino Hostel in Canggu, a hotspot for international travellers. The situation reached a critical point when Ms Zhuoga, a 25-year-old Chinese backpacker, was discovered deceased in her bed at the budget $14-a-night accommodation.
In a statement provided to PerthNow two months after the fatal event, a spokesperson for the hostel confirmed that police investigations are still actively underway. They described the situation as extremely difficult for all involved.
"At this time, the case is still under investigation by local authorities, which means we are not able to share specific details yet," the spokesperson said. "We have been fully cooperative from the very beginning, and we hope that everything can be clarified and resolved as soon as possible."
Timeline of a Tragedy
Details from Balinese police paint a concerning picture of the events leading to Ms Zhuoga's death. Badung Police First Inspector Azarul Ahmad revealed that hostel staff had become alarmed by the backpacker's condition the day before her passing.
Security staff subsequently placed the 25-year-old into a taxi and accompanied her to a medical centre for treatment. "The doctor provided initial treatment but due to a lack of funds only prescribed medication," Mr Ahmad stated.
After obtaining medicine from a nearby pharmacy, staff returned with Ms Zhuoga to the hostel. Tragically, she was found the next day by staff who checked for a pulse but found no breathing.
Police estimated she had been dead in her bed for between two and 12 hours before being discovered. A post-mortem examination later concluded that her death was likely preventable with proper medical treatment.
Ongoing Investigation and Aftermath
The scope of the mass illness event extended far beyond this single tragedy. A total of ten other guests from the hostel required urgent hospitalisation, all admitted to ICU in critical condition.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to this widespread illness. The hostel management has expressed its commitment to supporting the investigative process as it works toward a resolution.
This tragic event has cast a spotlight on safety and health standards in budget tourist accommodations throughout Bali, raising serious questions about emergency response protocols for unwell travellers.
