Laos backpackers staff who served the methanol laced-drinks flee country: report

A cruel twist has unfolded in the Laos methanol drink killings which claimed the lives of Aussie teens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones.

An investigation into the methanol-laced drinks killings has revealed the two Laos backpackers staff who served the beverages have fled the country.

According to a Herald Sun exclusive, at least two of the people “detained” after the deaths of six people, including Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, at the Nana Backpackers are now in Vietnam.

“We want the Australian Government to apply as much pressure as they can to bring justice to all those involved in the methanol poisoning of our girls, the Danish girl and the British girl in Laos,” Ms Jones’ father Mark told the publication after being told of the fleeings.

The full story can found at The Herald Sun

Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones died in Laos. Picture: Supplied

Best friends Bianca and Holly were holidaying together through Southeast Asia when things took a horrific turn in Laos.

The pair died after they consumed vodka and whiskey laced with deadly methanol at the Nana Backpackers hostel in the town of Vang Vieng in November last year.

The teens were two of six tourists who died in the same week of methanol poisoning, including British lawyer Simone White, 28, Danes Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and American James Louis Hutson, 57.

Staff who served Aussie teens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones lethal methanol drinks have reportedly fled to Vietnam. Picture: 60 Minutes

On 60 Minutes last Sunday, an update on the case of the mass poisoning was given by the grieving families of the teens.

Almost six months on, no charges have been laid despite Laotian authorities reportedly preparing charges for up to 13 people connected to the calamity.

The Australian Government also received a briefing that charges had been recommended.

However, during the 60 Minutes interview, the mothers of Holly and Bianca slammed the proposed charges against those who were allegedly involved, saying they are sceptical that justice will ever be served for their daughters.

The best friends were among six other tourists who died. Picture: 60 Minutes

Mrs Jones and Mrs Bowles said they had written to Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone “a million times”. They claim to have even contacted his wife. Still, they said they had had no response.

Finally, almost two weeks ago the families received the news – not from Laos, but from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) that charges have reportedly been recommended by local police against 13 people from Nana’s Hostel and the Tiger distillery.

There has been an update about the deaths of two Australian teenagers in Laos.

The proposed charges include elimination of evidence, violation of food and health security and unlawful business operations.

For Mr Jones and Mrs Bowles, the proposed charges are shockingly weak.

“Pretty appalling, I’d say pretty insulting,” Mrs Bowles fumed.

Mrs Jones agreed, saying: “I think we’re pretty furious about it … Food and beverage. You know, that’s like?”

“What is that? We don’t even know,” Mrs Bowles continued. “We know that there’s no murder or manslaughter charges, which we feel there should be.”

the mothers of the teenagers killed speak to 60 Minutes. Picture: 60 Minutes

The mothers said their feeling was that those allegedly involved will simply get a slap on the wrist, and as are only “going to be fined” if found guilty.

Mrs Bowles explained: “It’s heart-breaking … Heart-breaking and just full of anger, frustration.”

They believed that Laos authorities simply don’t care.

“They don’t care. They don’t, life is nothing,” Mrs Bowles said.

Speaking to news.com.au, Bethany Clarke — who became incredibly unwell from consuming methanol alongside Ms White, however survived the poisoning — agreed that the charges meant nothing and there was only one way of getting justice.

“I think the UK and Australia need to push forward with a travel ban [to Laos] because I don’t think that it’s fair for Laos to come up with these charges when they should be a lot heavier,” Ms Clarke said from Brisbane.

“The mass poisoning in itself, six people died and loads hospitalised [should be enough for a bigger charge].

“I think that without a travel ban, I just don’t think we will ever get anywhere. I don’t know if Australia would ever do that, I understand it’s drastic, but they just won’t listen to us … and I can’t see any other way.”