Tragedy Strikes: Australian Teens Die from Methanol Poisoning in Laos
Key Points
- Holly Bowles died on Friday in a Bangkok hospital, one day after her best friend Bianca Jones died.
- The girls from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s southeast had been on holiday in Laos last week when they became ill.
- The suspected methanol poisoning event in Vang Vieng has been linked to six deaths so far.
A tragic incident has left the Melbourne community mourning the loss of two young teens, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, who tragically passed away from suspected methanol poisoning while vacationing in Laos.
Remembering Holly and Bianca
Holly Bowles, 19, tragically passed away in a Bangkok hospital, just a day after her best friend Bianca Jones, also 19, succumbed to the same fate in a different hospital in the Thai capital.
The girls, both from Beaumaris in Melbourne’s southeast, fell ill while on holiday in Laos, along with a dozen other tourists, in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng.
The Beaumaris Football Club, where both girls were actively involved, paid tribute to the pair by adorning their club colors, blue and yellow, in memory of the girls.
Bowles’ parents expressed their pride in their daughter and found solace in knowing that she had brought joy to many people during her travels in Southeast Asia.
Colleagues at Frank’s cafe, where Bowles worked for over two years, described her as an integral part of the team, highlighting her kindness, reliability, and hardworking nature.
The tragic incident has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved Holly Bowles.
Investigation and Response
Authorities have confirmed that Bianca Jones died from brain swelling due to high levels of methanol in her system, shedding light on the cause of the tragic deaths.
The manager and owner of the hostel where the girls stayed have been detained by Laotian police as investigations continue into the poisoning incident.
The methanol poisoning event in Vang Vieng has claimed six lives so far, including the two Australian teens, a British woman, an American, and two Danish tourists, all of whom are believed to have consumed methanol-laced drinks.
The Laos government expressed profound sadness over the deaths of the foreign tourists and initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fatal incident.
As a precaution, the Australian government has issued warnings to residents to be cautious of spirit-based drinks, including cocktails, to prevent similar tragedies.
Conclusion
The untimely deaths of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones have sent shockwaves through their community and beyond. As investigations continue into the methanol poisoning incident, authorities are working diligently to prevent further tragedies and ensure justice for the victims.
FAQ
- What caused the deaths of the Australian teens in Laos?
- How many fatalities have been linked to the methanol poisoning event in Vang Vieng?
- What precautions are being advised to prevent similar incidents?