Two Australian Women Poisoned in Laos: The Tragic Story of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, two 19-year-old friends from Melbourne, are fighting for their lives after drinking poisoned alcohol during their backpacking trip in Laos. They were staying at a hostel in Vang Vieng, a popular destination for travelers. After drinking at a nearby bar, they fell seriously ill and were rushed to a hospital in Vientiane.  

As their conditions worsened, the women were transferred to hospitals in Thailand. Holly Bowles is now on life support at Bangkok Hospital, with her parents keeping watch at her bedside. Her uncle, Dale Bowles, said the family is in shock and disbelief, describing the situation as the toughest they have ever faced. He said they are taking things one day at a time and hoping for good news.  

Bianca Jones is being treated at Udon Thani Hospital, near the Laos-Thailand border. Her family is also at her bedside, praying for her recovery. They shared that Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles had been on a dream trip through Asia, full of excitement and adventure, before this tragedy struck.  

Reports say at least two Danish tourists in their 20s have died, and ten others have fallen ill after consuming the tainted alcohol. Methanol, a toxic chemical sometimes illegally added to alcohol to cut costs, is suspected to be the cause. Even small amounts of methanol can be deadly.  

The owner of Nana Hostel, where Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones were staying, has denied that the poisoned drinks came from his bar. He said the police have inspected his bar and the shops where he buys alcohol and found no issues. He added that he has run his business for 11 years and has never experienced anything like this.  

Other travelers have warned about possible methanol poisoning in the area on social media. Australia Department of Foreign Affairs is helping the families, and the Victorian government has expressed sympathy, calling it a tragic end to what should have been a beautiful holiday.

FAQs  

1. Who are Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones? 

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones are two 19-year-old friends from Melbourne who became critically ill after drinking contaminated alcohol during their backpacking trip in Laos.

2. What happened to Holly and Bianca? 

They drank tainted alcohol while staying in Vang Vieng, Laos, and fell seriously ill. They were taken to a hospital in Vientiane and later transferred to separate hospitals in Thailand.

3. Where are they being treated now?

Holly Bowles is on life support at Bangkok Hospital in Thailand, while Bianca Jones is receiving care at Udon Thani Hospital near the Laos-Thailand border.

4. What caused their illness?

Methanol poisoning is suspected, as it is sometimes illegally added to alcohol to reduce costs. Methanol is highly toxic and can be fatal even in small amounts.

5. How are their families coping? 

Both families are devastated but remain hopeful. Holly Bowles family is struggling with disbelief, while Bianca Jones family is praying for her recovery by her bedside.

6. Were there other victims of methanol poisoning?  

Yes, at least two Danish tourists have died, and around ten others have fallen ill after consuming tainted alcohol in the same area.

7. What did the hostel owner say about the incident?

The owner of Nana Hostel, where the women stayed, denies serving the poisoned drinks and said that authorities have inspected his bar and suppliers.

8. What is methanol, and why is it dangerous?  

Methanol is a toxic chemical that can be illegally added to alcohol as a cheaper substitute for ethanol. It can cause severe illness or death when consumed.

9. What is being done to help the families? 

The Australian government is providing consular support, and local authorities in Laos and Thailand are investigating the source of the tainted alcohol.

10. What has been the reaction to this tragedy?

The Victorian government expressed sympathy for the families, calling it a tragic end to what should have been a joyful and memorable holiday. Travelers are also warning others about methanol poisoning in the area.