The mothers of teenage best friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles have spoken about their anger at the recent update in charges for those involved in their daughter’s fatal methanol poisonings.
Six months ago, at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos, 19-year-old Bianca and Holly died after consuming vodka and whiskey laced with deadly methanol. Four other foreign tourists died in the mass poisoning event as well.
Now, Laotian authorities are reportedly preparing charges for up to 13 people connected to the deaths. The proposed charges include the elimination of evidence, violation of food and health security and unlawful business operations, 60 minutes reports.
“Pretty appalling, I’d say pretty insulting,” Holly’s mum, Sam Bowles told 60 minutes on Sunday night, about the proposed charges.
“We know that there’s no murder or manslaughter charges, which we feel there should be.”
Bianca’s mum, Michelle Jones echoed this sentiment saying both sets of parents are “pretty furious about it”.
Sam said the recommended charges feel like “people are just going to be fined” after their daughters and others lost their lives.
“It’s heartbreaking for us,” Sam said, noting they’re both full of anger and frustration.
Speaking with journalist Tara Brown, the two mothers said they’d written many times to the Laos government, seeking answers. However, they said they’d been met with silence, and it was the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), who had informed them about the local charges in Laos.
The mothers are now channelling their grief into advocating for methanol awareness and raising charity dollars in their daughter’s names.
Since the deaths of Bianca and Holly, DFAT has updated its travel advice for Laos to warn of alcohol risks in the country.
“Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of suspected cases of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,” the department’s Smartraveller notice states.
“Be alert to the potential risks particularly with spirit-based drinks including cocktails.”