'Disgusted with the price on life': Families outraged over Laos poisoning probe

Families of six tourists, including Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, who died from suspected methanol poisoning at a Laos hostel in November 2024, are outraged by the results of the local police investigation. Twenty months after the deaths, police outlined findings that disappointed families seeking justice, presenting claims they have dismissed as excuses and fabrications.

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It's an excuse.

Lao police stated they lacked sufficient evidence to press charges related to the deaths. However, the families contend that crucial information has been disregarded. "It's an excuse," said Shaun Bowles, father of Holly Morton-Bowles, echoing sentiments of disbelief and frustration. Karsten Sorensen, father of Freja Vennervald Sorensen, another victim, accused authorities of attempting to conceal something and suggested the investigation was either corrupt or incompetent, given the two-year timeframe.

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They're trying to cover something up here … they've had two years to investigate this thoroughly.

While a local vodka manufacturer and staff from the Nana Backpackers Hostel have avoided direct charges for the fatalities, the manufacturer faces accusations of operating an illegal business and selling products detrimental to health. Methanol is sometimes added to alcoholic beverages in countries with less stringent regulations to reduce production costs. The hostel owner has previously denied providing tainted drinks. The victims fell ill after consuming drinks at the hostel, with some being transported to Thailand for treatment, where they ultimately died.

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It's corrupt … and incompetent.