Melbourne victims of Laos hostel posionings
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EXCLUSIVE: The former operator of a Laos hostel where six individuals, among them teenagers from Melbourne named Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, tragically died due to methanol poisoning, has now launched a luxury resort.

In an interview with 9News, the ex-manager of Nana Backpacker, known as Pikachu, acknowledged his involvement with a 4-star hotel situated in Vang Vieng’s lively party district.

Melbourne victims of Laos hostel posionings
The manager of the Laos backpackers hostel where six people, including Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones (pictured), died of methanol poisoning has opened a luxury resort. (9News)

He mentioned that the resort would open in the forthcoming months; however, a quick check on travel websites shows that rooms are available for booking as early as tonight.

The revelations are another blow for the Australian families and their search for justice.

“As parents of Holly and Bianca we are angered at the recent news from Laos,” the families said in a joint statement.

“We are disappointed in the Australian government as we are again the last to know.”

Laos police are understood to have recommended charges against 13 people from Nana’s Hostel and a distillery.

It is now up to local prosecutors to decide whether they will proceed with the case.

Referring to the investigation into the deaths Pikachu said: “It’s very bad for the police in Laos checking everything.”

Melbourne victims of Laos hostel posionings
The Australian families of the victims say they are ‘angered’ by the news as they wait for justice (9News)
Melbourne victims of Laos hostel posionings
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said its officials “remain engaged with Laos authorities to reinforce our expectations for a transparent and thorough investigation”. (9News)

He maintains he and his staff at the backpackers did nothing wrong.

He told 9News they have now been freed and “some are home… and nobody is working right now.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement saying that their officials continue to engage with Laos authorities to emphasize the need for a transparent and comprehensive investigation.

“The Australian Government will continue to do everything possible to assist Holly and Bianca’s families, and to reduce the risks of a tragedy like this happening again,” a DFAT spokesperson said.

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