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The Laos government has addressed the suspected methanol poisoning that killed six tourists, including Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, stating it is “profoundly saddened” by the incident.
The 19-year-old best friends had been backpacking through South-East Asia when they fell ill after consuming a suspected methanol-tainted drink in Laos.
They both died hours apart in a hospital in Thailand, where they were being treated.
Officials said Simone White from the United Kingdom, an American and two Danish tourists also died.
In a statement, the Laos government said it was “profoundly saddened” by the deaths.
“The government of the Lao PDR has been conducting investigations to find the causes of the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law,” it said.
“The [government] reaffirms that it always attaches the importance [sic] and pays attention to the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists.”
The families of Jones and Bowles have both arrived in Thailand and are faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing their bodies back home to Australia.
Tributes have poured in for both girls.
Frank’s, the cafe where Bowles worked from when she was 16, closed today as her team grieved the loss.
“She was a ray of light that just lit this team up, and made us a better place,” owner Harry Butler said.
“Her face would light up for something as simple as a coffee order on a morning. You can’t leave an impact like that without being a very special person.”
At the girls’ local footy club, the 2022 premiership flag was taken out of club rooms and flown at half-mast.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also paid tribute to the pair.
“This should have been a trip filled with joy and wonderful memories – it is beyond sad that is it not to be,” he said.
“My thoughts and my deepest sympathies are with her family and her friends.
“I am sure all Australians are thinking of Holly and her best friend Bianca Jones who tragically passed away yesterday.”
Nana Backpackers has been shut down by police in Vang Vieng as the owner and manager were brought into the capital to be questioned.
9News understands CCTV from nearby Jaidees Bar has been seized.
