News

Bodies of Melbourne teens repatriated amid Laos methanol poisoning arrests

The bodies of Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones have been returned to Australia following their tragic deaths from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. 

Their grieving families arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday night with their remains.

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According to the Laos Post, authorities in Laos had detained the 34-year-old manager of Nana backpackers hostel, along with seven other employees for questioning. 

These 19-year-old girls fell ill on November 12 after allegedly consuming methanol-laced alcohol during a backpacking trip. 

They died in separate hospitals in Thailand.

A third Australian, a dual national, has also been hospitalised in stable condition. 

Authorities believe all six victims consumed methanol, a toxic substance often used in industrial products and fatal in small amounts.  

At Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, grieving fathers Mark Jones and Shaun Bowles expressed gratitude for the support they received and urged the Laos government to pursue those responsible.  

“We miss our daughters desperately,” Mr Jones said. 

“We will continue to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning.”  

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Caitlin Duan

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