The tragic story of two Australian teenagers has led their parents to call for others to reconsider traveling to Laos. The young women, Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, died in November last year while vacationing in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng.
Parents Demand Change After Daughters’ Deaths
Holly and Bianca’s parents have expressed their dismay over the lack of accountability and investigation into the cause of their daughters’ deaths. In an interview, they described the Laotian government as “corrupt” and criticized its response to the incident, which involved a mass methanol poisoning.
Details of the Incident
The two teenagers, along with four other tourists, consumed methanol, a colorless and odorless poison. Just a small amount—0.85 fluid ounces—can lead to severe health consequences or be fatal. This tragic event unfolded at the Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng.
In their statements, Holly’s father, Shaun Bowles, and Bianca’s mother, Samantha Morton, lamented the absence of any meaningful investigation. According to Morton, they have had no contact from Laotian officials, contributing to their despair. “We’ve heard nothing,” Jones said during their interview on “60 Minutes.”
Call for Travel Caution
The families are urging prospective travelers to think twice before including Laos on their travel itineraries. “Your life is worth nothing over there,” they stated, emphasizing their harrowing experience and the lack of accountability from the Laos government.
Government Response
In the wake of the incident, Victorian premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the families’ frustrations about the investigation. Meanwhile, the Lao ambassador to Australia, Chatoulong Bouasisavath, has not publicly addressed the concerns raised by the families.
Legacy and Vigil
In the aftermath of Holly’s and Bianca’s passing, a wave of sympathy emerged from Australians and people worldwide. Vigils were held in their honor, including a significant gathering in Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed condolences over the tragic event.
Both families established a crowdfunding campaign to cover expenses related to the tragedy and to foster awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning. Their hope is to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The incident has left an indelible mark on the families while also raising awareness about the risks associated with traveling in certain regions. As they continue their search for answers, they maintain hope that their daughters’ stories will spark urgent discussions about safety for future travelers.
