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.

Outrage Erupts as Laos Hostel Staff Fined Just 5 for Methanol Poisoning Tragedy
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.

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