Families of Australian Women Who Died From Methanol Poisoning in Laos Allege Cover-Up
One year after Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died from methanol poisoning while backpacking in Laos, their families are alleging a deliberate cover-up of the circumstances surrounding their deaths and the deaths of four others.Parents claim Laotian police warned individuals potentially responsible for the poisonings to flee the contry, hindering any prospect of justice.
The deaths, linked to tainted alcohol, have sparked outrage and accusations of inaction from the families, who say a promised inquiry has stalled.While Laotian police earlier this year recommended charges against 13 people connected to Nana Hostel – the location where the women consumed the contaminated drinks - and Tiger Distillery, the suspected source of the spirits, the families believe authorities have actively obstructed the pursuit of accountability.
Shaun, a family member involved in seeking answers, told 60 Minutes, ”There’s been no evidence to suggest that there is an investigation going on. I believe it’s all been swept under the carpet,pushed to the side and forgotten about.”
According to a confidential source in Laos, police allegedly advised staff at Nana Hostel to leave town following the incident. Mark,another family member,stated to 60 Minutes,”Our understanding is,police authorities told staff at Nana’s effectively to get out of town. There is obviously someone, somewhere … covering something up, that’s obviously coming from quite high up in government and/or the police force.”
The six deaths occurred after consumption of alcohol containing deadly methanol. The families are continuing to press for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and the allegations of interference.
