The tragic loss of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles has led to calls for action and increased awareness around methanol poisoning in Laos among their grieving families.
Tragic Deaths in Laos Spark Calls for Accountability from Australian Families
Tragic Deaths in Laos Spark Calls for Accountability from Australian Families
Families of two Australian teens who died from suspected methanol poisoning urge for justice.
The families of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19 years old from Australia, have expressed their sorrow and demand for justice following the recent deaths of their daughters in Laos under suspected methanol poisoning. The two teenagers were among six international tourists whose lives were tragically cut short after allegedly consuming contaminated alcoholic beverages, reportedly common in bootleg products.
Adding to the family’s calls for answers, authorities in Laos have detained eight individuals connected to the Nana Backpackers hostel, where all victims had stayed. The owners of the hostel have maintained that they did not serve illicit alcoholic drinks, despite the disturbing incident that has led to the investigation.
Mark Jones, father of Bianca, expressed his heartbreak at the loss of his daughter, stating, "We miss our daughters desperately. I was happy to hear that there’s been some movement over in Laos - we cannot have our girls passing and this continuing to happen." The remains of the deceased Australians were returned to Melbourne this week, accompanied by their grieving relatives.
The four other victims have been identified as Simone White, a 28-year-old from the UK; James Hutson, a 57-year-old American; and Danish nationals Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21. The unfortunate series of events began when Hutson was found unresponsive in his hostel room on November 13, with evidence of alcohol consumption nearby. Following that, the two Danish women were also discovered unconscious, prompting urgent medical attention.
Authorities are still investigating the full extent of the situation, as there may be more victims affected by this alarming incident. The hostel's manager has indicated there was only a limited number of guests who reported feeling ill after sampling the free shots served. Methanol, a substance commonly found in industrial products, poses severe health risks and can be fatal in small amounts. Even ingestion of 25ml — about half a shot — can lead to death, with symptoms often delayed by up to 24 hours.
The ongoing issue of methanol poisoning continues to plague regions, especially in Southeast Asia, where it is prevalent due to the proliferation of cheap, unregulated spirits. The recent tragedies in Laos have raised alarm among health officials and governments, highlighting the need for increased awareness and safety measures for travelers in popular party destinations like Vang Vieng.
