The picturesque town of Vang Vieng in Laos, a hotspot for young backpackers, has turned into the stage of a heartbreaking tragedy. Two Melbourne teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, were reportedly poisoned after consuming drinks at a bar that’s now under scrutiny for its questionable ties to organised crime and the Asian mafia. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know about this devastating incident.
A Dream Trip That Turned Into a Nightmare
Bianca and Holly were best friends embarking on a Southeast Asian backpacking adventure together. They had planned the trip of a lifetime, with Christmas arrangements all set back home in Melbourne. But sadly, their journey took a tragic turn in the tourist-heavy town of Vang Vieng.
Last reported at the Jaidee Bar, the pair consumed drinks suspected to have been spiked with methanol – a dangerous chemical that’s been linked to counterfeit or low-quality alcohol. Shortly after, both girls fell gravely ill.
Bianca Jones passed away in a Thai hospital on Thursday, while Holly Bowles remains on life support, fighting for her life.
Sinister Links: The Bar at the Centre of It All
Local sources claim the Jaidee Bar, where the women drank, has ties to organised crime and the Asian mafia. Speaking anonymously, one source revealed to The Herald Sun, “The problem is at Jaidee’s Bar. They are dangerous.”
The notorious bar is alleged to serve more than just drinks. Reports suggest it operates under the guise of a party hotspot, offering a printed drug menu that openly advertises substances like opium, ecstasy, and ketamine. There’s no suggestion that the Australian teens were involved with drugs, but the environment raises alarming questions about safety.
Visitors to Jaidee Bar have also been seen inhaling gas from large black balloons, which has further cemented its reputation as a place that fosters a risky and lawless atmosphere.
Bianca’s Heartbroken Family Speaks Out
The Jones family released a heart-wrenching statement confirming Bianca’s tragic passing.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved daughter and sister, Bianca Jones, has passed away,” the statement read. “She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us.”
The family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received from across Australia, describing the compassion and prayers from others as “humbling.” They’ve asked for privacy as they grieve and attempt to process this unimaginable loss.
A Backpacker’s Paradise With a Dark Side
Vang Vieng might look like a paradise on Instagram feeds, but its party scene has always had a darker side. Bars offering suspiciously cheap “free drinks” and illicit substances are not unheard of in the area. Jaidee Bar is one of several establishments that cater to thrill-seeking tourists without much oversight or accountability.
The peril became evident after more cases of methanol poisoning were reported in the area. Local reports say at least 10 other backpackers recently fell ill, including two Danish women who tragically passed away. A U.S. citizen also reportedly died under similar circumstances.
This isn’t the first time methanol-tainted alcohol has caused deaths in Southeast Asia. Methanol – usually used in industrial products – can find its way into alcoholic drinks during improper distillation or as an intentional, cheap additive. Its ingestion can cause severe poisoning, organ failure, and death.
Heroic Effort to Save the Girls
A staff member at Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, where Bianca and Holly were staying, recalled the horrifying moment the girls sought help. According to their account, the young women appeared at the reception, struggling to breathe and begging to be taken to the hospital.
“They spent all day of the 12th of November in their room. We didn’t know what was happening with them because they go party outside,” the worker, who goes by the nickname Pikachu, told reporters. “They come to tell my staff, ‘please, can you help me? Bring me to the hospital.’”
Holly’s Family Holds on to Hope
As the Jones family mourns the unspeakable loss of Bianca, Holly’s loved ones are focusing on her recovery. Her parents are by her bedside, hoping for a miracle. Speaking from Melbourne, her uncle, Dale Bowles, described the immense pain the family is going through.
“We’re a small family, we’re a tight family, and we come together in tough situations – and there’s none tougher than this,” he told the press, adding that Holly’s recovery was a “day-by-day process.”
A Warning for Future Travellers
This tragic incident is a loud warning for travellers, especially young backpackers, about the hidden dangers lurking in popular tourist destinations. Methanol poisoning and shady establishments serving questionable alcohol are a recurring issue in parts of Southeast Asia.
To avoid situations like this, travellers are encouraged to:
- Stay vigilant about the drinks they consume.
- Stick to reputable establishments.
- Avoid accepting free alcohol or excessively discounted beverages.
- Seek immediate medical help if they feel unwell after drinking.
Conclusion
The deaths of Bianca and other young travellers in Laos are devastating reminders of the risks some backpacker hotspots pose. Bianca’s family is now left to grieve the loss of an “incredible spirit,” while Holly’s friends and family continue to rally around her during this critical time. For the rest of us, their tragic story serves as a sobering reminder to stay cautious and mindful while travelling.
We hope for Holly’s recovery and extend our deepest condolences to Bianca’s family and everyone touched by this tragedy.