Methanol-poisoning victims' parents slam $185 fines handed to Laos hostel staff
The families of the two Melbourne teenagers who died of methanol poisoning in Laos have slammed the less than $200 fine handed to each of the staff who served their deadly drinks.

Tragedy struck when Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, lost their lives after consuming alcohol tainted with methanol at Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos, November 2024.

Their fathers, Shaun Bowles and Mark Jones, expressed frustration over being kept uninformed during a clandestine legal proceeding at The People’s Court of Vang Vieng, Laos.

Grieving fathers Mark Jones and Shaun Bowles fronted the media briefly on arrival at Melbourne Airport after the bodies of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were repatriated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.(Nine)

“We persist in urging Lao authorities to address the incidents surrounding Holly and Bianca’s deaths, and we remain committed to supporting their families through this harrowing period,” they stated.

The hostel has since resumed operations under a new name.

“It’s incomprehensible to me that they can reopen after six people lost their lives there,” Mr. Jones remarked, clearly distressed.

Despite their anguish, the fathers acknowledged that nothing could bring back their beloved daughters, Holly and Bianca, who will be eternally cherished and missed.

“We’ve got their 21st coming up this year, lots of milestones that come up, but we will continue to remember our beautiful girls,” Mr Jones said.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

You May Also Like

Back in 2018, Daily Mail reporter Jimmy Briggs worked as an extra on the set of Ride Like a Girl, the Australian film telling the story of jockey Michelle Payne's remarkable 2015 Melbourne Cup victory. (Pictured: Sam Neill and Teresa Palmer in a scene from Ride Like a Girl)

Jimmy Briggs Recalls Sam Neill’s Unforgettable Act of Kindness on Australian Film Set

For countless moviegoers, Sam Neill will always be the man who helped…
Sam Neill has left behind a multimillion-dollar fortune and a portfolio of properties following his death at the age of 78 this week. The Jurassic Park star, who passed away suddenly on Monday in Sydney, boasted a winery empire, as well as a net worth estimated to be between $25 million and $28 million. The New Zealand actor's main residence was a sprawling New Zealand winery called Two Paddocks, located in the Central Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. He opened Two Paddocks in 1993 and the winery quickly became renowned for its Pinot Noir - a lightly spiced red wine. While known for its Pinot, the label also has a reputation for producing high-quality Riesling. The business started life as a simple five-acre planting, but expanded to encompass four vineyard sites.

Sam Neill Net Worth: Inside the Jurassic Park Star’s Fortune and Impressive Property Portfolio

Sam Neill leaves behind a substantial multimillion-dollar estate and an impressive property…
Sam Neill, who died suddenly on Monday aged 78, boasted a vast property and winery empire, as well as a net worth estimated to be between $25 million and $28 million

Sam Neill Net Worth and Property Portfolio: Inside the Jurassic Park Star’s Fortune

Sam Neill, 78, remains one of New Zealand’s most recognisable screen figures,…
Sam Neill was pictured for the final time four weeks ago in a sweet post shared on his Instagram profile, prior to his 'sudden and unexpected' death aged 78

Sam Neill Seen Smiling at ARIA Hall of Fame Awards Weeks Before Reported Death at 78

Sam Neill was seen in what became his final public Instagram post…
Sam Neill looked like he had all the time in the world as he slipped into the crowd at Sydney's ARIA Hall of Fame ceremony in June – his final public appearance before his sudden death at 78.

Friends Reflect on Sam Neill’s Final Days: Nobody Saw This Coming

The music was booming, the lights glowed softly, and Sam Neill appeared…