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Parents of Australian Teens Urge Travelers to Avoid Laos After Methanol Deaths

The parents say a year has passed with no meaningful response from Lao authorities despite a promise to investigate.

Overview

  • Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, died in 2024 after methanol poisoning at Vang Vieng's Nana Backpackers hostel.
  • Six holidaymakers were affected in the incident, and the two Australians were airlifted to a hospital in Thailand where they later died.
  • On November 9, 60 Minutes reported Lao officials would not meet the families and did not respond to requests for comment.
  • The parents say no one has been held accountable and describe the investigation as opaque, calling the Laotian government corrupt.
  • A prior letter to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong conveyed condolences and a stated inquiry, and Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the families' frustration over the lack of progress.