Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, died in a mass methanol poisoning incident at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, in November 2024. Two Danish women, an American man, and a British woman also died in the incident, with more than a dozen others falling seriously ill after drinking at the hostel.

Officials in Laos are expected to announce the conclusion of their investigation on Friday afternoon, July 16, 2026. The ABC understands that those allegedly responsible could face two offences carrying a combined maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,600.

Holly's father, Shaun Bowles, expressed disbelief and disgust at the proposed charges and penalties. He said, "To think that the lives of my daughter, and another five people is worth less than a year in prison and less than $1600 dollars," and described it as "very hard to comprehend."

Bowles and Mark Jones, father of Bianca Jones, have called on the Australian Government to intervene. Bowles also stated, "I don't have words for the disgust that I have with what Laos authorities are suggesting is meant to be justice for the deaths of six tourists."

He urged Prime Minister Albanese to reach out to his counterpart in Laos to insist that genuine justice is served for the deaths of the two Australian citizens.

More than a dozen people fell seriously ill in the incident, highlighting the severity of the poisoning at the Nana Backpackers Hostel.

Sources