Young women die after drinking deadly cocktails: Parents sharply criticize investigation

Laos - It was supposed to be an unforgettable trip after graduation, but the adventure for two young women in south-east Asia came to a tragic end - both lost their lives. Now their parents are speaking out.

Their adventure together in south-east Asia was supposed to be unforgettable for Bianca Jones (†19, l.) and Holly Bowles (†19) - but it ended tragically.
Their adventure together in south-east Asia was supposed to be unforgettable for Bianca Jones (†19, l.) and Holly Bowles (†19) - but it ended tragically.  © Bildmontage: Facebook/Screenshot/Bianca Jones, Facebook/Screenshot/Holly Bowles

The two 19-year-old Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died of methanol poisoning at the end of November, along with four other tourists , after drinking contaminated alcohol in a bar.

"Our girls were murdered - and nothing is being done," Bianca's mother laments desperately in an interview with ABC.

The investigation into the tragic case is more than questionable: twelve suspects were arrested but released shortly afterwards. No progress, no answers - for the relatives it feels like a cover-up!

They also accuse the Laotian authorities of excluding the family from important information.

The two 19-year-olds died of methanol poisoning, as did four other tourists, after drinking contaminated alcohol in a bar. (symbolic image)
The two 19-year-olds died of methanol poisoning, as did four other tourists, after drinking contaminated alcohol in a bar. (symbolic image)  © Patrick Pleul/dpa

Families advise against traveling to Laos

The parents of the victims have now had enough. They are calling on tourists to boycott the country until the deaths are finally properly investigated.

Together with the relatives of the other deceased tourists, they are doing everything they can to put pressure on the authorities until justice is finally achieved for the victims.