Family devastated by ‘unacceptable’ charges over methanol deaths of Australian teenagers in Laos | Australia news

The Australian government says it wants “real charges” over the fatal methanol poisoning of two teenage travelers in Laos, while authorities are preparing to impose lesser charges in what has been described as a “bitter” disappointment.

Melbourne travelers Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, were fatally poisoned with methanol while drinking at the Nana backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng while backpacking in the Southeast Asian country in late 2024.

A British woman, an American man and two Danish women also died in the incident.

Authorities in Laos were expected to wrap up their investigation on Friday, with two offenses punishable by up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of A$1,600.

Holly’s father Shaun Bowles told 2GB radio he was devastated at the prospect.

He had been informed of possible charges, and they were not the results his family was looking for.

“This is devastating news for us,” he said.

In his understanding, charges would be brought against those responsible for making the allegedly tainted vodka.

“We’re still not convinced they’re the right people,” he said.

“So many conflicting stories have emerged that it is very difficult to determine exactly who is at fault. But it is clear that this is not the case.”

Bianca’s father, Mark Jones, also condemned the expected charges.

“It is unacceptable that the lives of our daughter, her best friend Holly and three other beautiful women were reduced to the maximum possible outcome of a year in prison and $1,600 in damages. [fine]he told ABC TV.

Bianca’s mother Michelle Jones said: “It’s like their lives don’t matter at all. We’re just absolutely horrified by it all.”

He warned potential travelers “don’t go to Laos” and urged those who did to consume only bottled or canned drinks.

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong said the Australian government was “deeply disappointed and bitterly disappointed”.

In a statement Friday morning, Wong said the charges “must reflect the seriousness of the tragedy.” He confirmed that he and the prime minister had conveyed these expectations to their Lao counterparts.

Wong announced that special envoy Pablo Kang, appointed to “explore all avenues to make progress in the investigation,” will travel to Laos on Friday.

“It will convey the Australian Government’s objections and strengthen our expectations for an investigation that will deliver justice for Holly, Bianca and other victims of methanol poisoning,” Kang said.

Wong said he would personally raise the issue at foreign ministers’ meetings on Asean in Manila next week.

In Canberra, Dfat’s acting secretary called the Lao ambassador.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the government would be watching closely as Lao officials prepared to hold a press conference on the issue.

“We can all imagine the pain and sense of loss these families are experiencing right now,” he said. “Our hearts beat again for them.”

Butler said the Australian government offered to fund its Lao counterpart to conduct a full investigation, but this was rejected.

“There can be no doubt about what we expect. We continue to urge them to press for real accountability and to pursue some real charges.”