A major update from Laos following the deaths of six tourists who are thought to have consumed methanol-laced drinks could spark an international incident, with Australian politicians up in arms
A major update in the case of six tourists who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos risks sparking an international incident.
Brit lawyer Simone White, 28, Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, an unmanned US man and two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, fell ill in the tourist town of Vang Vieng in November last year. They were all staying at the Nana Backpackers hostel and are thought to have consumed alcoholic drinks that actually contained methanol.
On Thursday, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told parliament Laos authorities have refused the Australian Federal Police (AFP)’s offer to support the investigation into the deaths.
“The AFP has made an offer to the authorities in Laos to provide their assistance in the investigation, and there is a whole lot of capability the AFP could bring,” he said. “I have to report sadly to the house that at this point the Laos authorities have not taken up that invitation.”
The families of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles issued a heartbreaking statement following the announcement, and said they were “extremely disappointed” by the lack of updates. They said: “As the Laos government rejects any support from the AFP our confidence in accountability and justice for everyone affected remains unanswered.”
Zoe Daniel, the MP for the girls’ families, contacted Laos authorities before Christmas asking for an update on the investigation. She said she was told they were “working on it”. She told NewsWire: “I haven’t seen anything since and that’s not only frustrating, but it’s also potentially dangerous for other travellers and really upsetting the families who need some answers and accountability.”
She wrote to the Laos ambassador on Thursday again urging that the offer of help be accepted. Daniel also said the government was willing to be more insistent in getting answers.
“We will continue to press Laos to pursue this investigation as we will continue to offer the assistance of the Australian government through the Australian Federal Police in this investigation,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been in contact with Bianca and Holly’s families and they will continue to do so. Any information that we have we want to share with them.”
