A second Australian teenager, Holly Bowles, has tragically passed away due to suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. Her death follows that of her friend, Bianca Jones, who succumbed to the same suspected cause just a day earlier. The two friends, both aged 19, were on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia when their journey took a devastating turn.
Holly Bowles’ passing was confirmed by her father, Shaun Bowles, who expressed the family’s grief in a statement shared with Nine News.
“We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” he said. “We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong extended condolences, calling the incident a national tragedy. “All Australians will be heartbroken by the tragic passing of Holly Bowles,” Wong said. “Just yesterday, Holly lost her best friend, Bianca Jones. I know tonight all Australians will be holding both families in our hearts.”
Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos
The suspected methanol poisoning has now claimed the lives of at least six people, including the two Australian teenagers, a British woman, an American tourist, and two Danish travelers. Methanol, a toxic chemical sometimes found in improperly distilled alcohol or used as a cheaper substitute for ethanol, has been linked to the deaths.
The teenagers reportedly fell ill on 13 November after a night out in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town in Laos. They failed to check out of their accommodations at the Nana Backpacker Hostel and were later found in their room in critical condition. Both were rushed to Thailand for emergency treatment, but their conditions worsened.
Thai authorities confirmed that Bianca Jones died due to brain swelling caused by high levels of methanol in her system.
Hostel Staff and Management Detained
Following the deaths, Lao police detained multiple individuals, including the manager and owner of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, for questioning. An officer from Vang Vieng’s tourism police office confirmed that a “number of people” were being held in connection with the case but noted that no formal charges had been filed.
Staff at the hostel revealed that on the night the teenagers fell ill, guests, including Holly and Bianca, were offered free shots of Laotian vodka. The two women later went elsewhere to continue drinking before returning to the hostel in the early hours.
Global Health Alerts Issued
The tragic incidents have prompted international warnings. On Friday, the U.S. State Department issued a health alert, cautioning citizens traveling in Laos about the risks of consuming methanol-laced alcoholic beverages. Similar alerts have been issued by other countries whose citizens were affected.
Methanol poisoning can occur from consuming counterfeit or poorly distilled liquor. It is often a byproduct of home-brewed alcohol and, when ingested, can lead to severe poisoning, brain damage, or death.
A Grieving Community Reacts
The deaths have sent shockwaves through Vang Vieng’s tight-knit community of locals and expats. Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who owns the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in the town, spoke about the impact of the tragedy.
“A lot of my customers are very worried about what happened,” he said. “I think it’s never happened before, so it is hopefully just a one-off incident. It’s very sad all around. I’m sure nobody intended to cause injury, but it’s happened.”
The Ongoing Investigation
Efforts to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the poisonings have been hindered by Laos’ limited transparency. The Lao Foreign Ministry has declined to comment, and local health officials in Vang Vieng have referred inquiries to other agencies.
The incident highlights potential safety risks in a country where tourism is a major industry but regulatory oversight can be inconsistent.
The Victims’ Legacy
Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones were described as adventurous, vibrant young women with an eagerness to explore the world. Their untimely deaths have brought attention to the dangers that can accompany international travel, particularly in regions where alcohol safety is not strictly regulated.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sorrow, stating, “The loss of these young lives is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of protecting our loved ones, wherever they may be.”
