Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms Australian authorities assisting Laos investigation into methanol poisoning

Australian authorities are doing everything they can to help with the investigation into the suspected fatal methanol poisoning of two Melbourne teens.

The Australian Government is working closely with authorities in Laos to ensure the bodies of two Aussie teens can be returned home safely after they died from alleged methanol poisoning.

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, were visiting the tourist town of Vang Vieng, about 130km north of Vientiane in Laos.

It’s understood the two best friends from Melbourne drank the deadly cocktails while on a night out on November 11.

Melbourne teen Bianca Jones died from suspected methanol poisoning. Picture: Facebook

Holly Bowles also died after the suspected mass poisoning. Picture: Facebook

Holly and Bianca were taken to hospital on November 13 by hostel night staff after they were found in their room and had reportedly complained of difficulty breathing.

Tragically, Bianca died on Thursday in hospital while her friend Holly died a day later, also in a Thailand hospital.

During Question Time on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government had offered support to Laos officials as they investigate the deaths.

“My government continues to support Holly and Bianca’s families just as we continue our efforts with local authorities on investigations into this tragedy,” Mr Albanese said.

“Officials are working closely with Bianca and Holly’s family to bring them home.

“The Foreign Minister has been in direct contact with her counterpart, Minister Wong has underscored our expectation the investigations are thorough and transparent.

“Officials are working closely with local authorities including offering assistance in relation to the investigation that is under way, including, I can confirm, an offer of assistance from the Australian Federal Police.”

The two Melbourne teens were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos. Picture: Supplied

Six tourists in total have died from suspected methanol poisoning, including British woman Simone White, 28, Danish women Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and American man James Louis Hutson, 57.

It is understood a group of about a dozen foreigners fell ill in total from consuming the drinks.

Mr Albanese said Australian officials would work closely with their international counterparts “to co-ordinate approaches” in an effort to prevent another “tragic incident” like this occurring again.

“We want to work with other governments based upon this experience to see whether any action can be taken,” he said.

“Obviously it is a sovereign nation, Laos, but I know they are devastated as are the governments of other countries who have been impacted by this.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australian authorities are assisting the investigation in Laos. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Albanese said the deaths of two Australians overseas was a “tragic loss”.

“Two young Australians who had such bright futures ahead of them, travelling as young Australians do, and unfortunately not coming home in a way in which their parents and their community and their loved ones would have wanted to see,” he said.

“There has been a flood of grief in your local community where both young women are so widely admired and well liked.

“They were best friends and the best days of their lives should have been ahead of them.

“I know all Australians think of the families at this moment who are facing the grief which is every parents worst nightmare.

“There is no crueller arithmetic than adding up the years not lived, the potential not fulfilled, the dreams not lived or that might have been.”

The two friends were staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel and they reportedly consumed drinks at the bar before heading out to another venue.

Holly Bowles was travelling South-East Asia when she fell ill. Picture: Facebook

Bianca Jones had been with her friend Holly Bowles when their drinks were spiked with methanol in Laos. Picture: Supplied

Their families rushed to their sides in hospital before their deaths.

In a statement from the Bowles family, Holly was remembered for the “joy and happiness” she brought everyone who knew her.

“It is with broken hearts and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” the Bowles family said.

“We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness to so many people.

“Holly was living her best life travelling through South East Asia meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.

“As her parents we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did. Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him.

“We would like to thank everyone from back home, in Canada and around the world for the love and support that Holly and our family have received.”

The family of Bianca confirmed her death on Thursday.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” they said in a statement.

“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love and prayers we’ve received from across Australia.

“The kindness shown to our family during this unimaginable time has been truly humbling.

“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief and begin to heal. Thank you for respecting our family’s space.”