The parents of two Australian tourists who died from methanol poisoning in Laos are speaking out to put pressure on the country’s government to properly investigate the deaths, 60 Minutes Journalist Tara Brown has told 9News.
Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles both died from methanol poisoning after a night out drinking at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in the town of Vang Vieng.
Brown told 9News she believes the families spoke to her in the exclusive interview because the Laos government has refused to meet with them.
“I think they want to really warn the community of the dangers of methanol poisoning and they want to keep pressure on the government of Laos to fully investigate the deaths.
“They feel that they don’t have enough information to fully understand what led to their daughter’s deaths.”
She said the smallest amount of methanol could be fatal.
“Two teaspoons is likely to blind you… one shot… 30 millimetres will kill you.”
Brown said the families of Jones and Bowles had been friends for a long time even before the girls were born, and were leaning on each other for support.
“The pain is etched on their faces, these are magnificent strong people, they get through every day, they have to keep going… they have each other,” Brown said.
Six tourists staying at the hostel were killed from methanol poisoning.
The full interview will go to air on 60 Minutes on Sunday night.
