Charges laid over fatal methanol poisoning of teens
Authorities have charged the owner of a distillery in Laos following a mass methanol poisoning incident that killed two young Australian women.
Danish authorities confirmed the accusations nearly two years after the deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, after international media outlets were denied entry to a press conference covering the developments.
The Melbourne teenagers, both 19, fell seriously ill after staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024.
Two Danish women, an American man and a British woman also lost their lives in the incident.
In a statement issued in Copenhagen, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the charges were formally made by Laotian authorities on Friday.
The charges relate to the sale of unhealthy foods and running an illegal business.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that the matter touched him deeply and that he was disappointed that the indictment did not reflect the seriousness and extent of the tragedy that affected so many families.
He acknowledged that meeting the burden of proof required to bring the most serious charges in such a case can be complicated, but also noted that it is difficult to accept such a lenient indictment.
Denmark’s foreign ministry said the charges would lead to a prison sentence of three months to four years for the defendant and a fine if convicted.
Mr Rasmussen said his office would now work with relatives and other affected countries to discuss their next move on the case.
Many international media organizations were denied entry to the media conference in Vientiane, Laos, attended by Danish, British and Australian officials.
Bianca’s parents, Mark and Michelle Jones, told AAP on Friday they were devastated by the legal outcome, which they believed was inadequate.
“All-in-all, our daughter and four other beautiful women are worth less than a year and about $1,600 in life,” Mr. Jones said.
“We are disgusted and angry.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong described the development as “extremely frustrating” after the Australian government summoned Laos’ ambassador to Canberra on Friday.
He said the charges “must reflect the seriousness of the tragedy” and confirmed that he and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had conveyed those expectations to their Lao counterparts.
“Since their deaths, Australia has advocated for a thorough and transparent investigation that takes into account all available evidence and for those responsible to be held accountable,” Senator Wong said in a statement. he said.
”What happened to Holly, Bianca and four other foreign nationals should never have happened.”
Australian diplomat Pablo Kang had been asked in early 2026 to “explore all avenues to advance the case” and had engaged extensively with Lao officials on behalf of the government and families.
Mr. Kang is expected to travel to Laos to convey the government’s objections and strengthen expectations for an investigation that will ensure justice.
