Key Highlights
- Australian parents issue a dire travel warning after their daughters died in Laos.
- The deaths occurred during a vacation trip to Vang Vieng, where the girls consumed methanol by accident.
- The families claim corruption and lack of investigation from the Laos government.
- Family members call for Australians to remove Laos from their bucket lists.
Tragic Deaths in Laos Spark Family Advocacy
Australian parents have issued a dire travel warning after their daughters tragically died during a vacation trip to Laos, urging other Aussies to reconsider visiting the country. The deaths of Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19-year-old best friends from Melbourne, occurred last November in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town known for its scenic beauty.
Accidental Methanol Poisoning
The girls were part of a group of tourists staying at the Nana Backpackers hostel when they accidentally consumed methanol. The colorless and odorless poison can be fatal even in small quantities, with just 0.85 fluid ounces potentially causing serious illness or death.
Families’ Disillusionment with Government Investigation
The families of the deceased have expressed deep disappointment with the lack of investigation and accountability from the Laos government. Shaun Bowles and Samantha Morton said in an interview that there is no evidence of any police investigation into their daughters’ deaths, and they labeled the government as “corrupt.”
“We recognize how corrupt and unhelpful the Laos Government (is), there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest there is any type of investigation going on,”
— Shaun Bowles and Samantha Morton, parents of Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones.
Call for Action from Families
The families have called upon Australians to remove Laos from their bucket lists. They believe that the country’s government is not worth risking one’s life over. In an interview with Herald Sun, they emphasized, “We hope that Australians remove this country from your bucket list, your life is worth nothing over there and we have seen this first-hand as well as other families that have been involved in this tragedy.“
Grief and Advocacy Continues
The grief of the families has not diminished. In February, it was revealed that the Laos government had refused to meet with the families of those who were killed during the mass methanol poisoning event. The silence from authorities has been described as “deafening.” Family members have also expressed frustration at being denied access to the country for further investigation.
We’ve heard nothing,”
— Mark and Michelle Jones, parents of Bianca Jones, during an interview with 60 Minutes Australia.
National Response and Government Acknowledgment
The Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the families’ frustrations, stating that they are “very real” due to the lack of change at the end of the Laotian investigation. The government’s response has been limited, with no individuals or organizations held accountable for the deaths.
Outpouring of Support and Awareness
In the aftermath of their daughters’ passing, families created a crowd-funding page to cover out-of-pocket expenses related to the tragedy. These funds were also allocated towards awareness and education initiatives aimed at preventing methanol poisoning in future incidents.
The story has garnered significant attention, with an outpouring of sympathy from across Australia and the world. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, while hundreds attended a vigil held in honor of the girls in Melbourne last November.
