Two Aussie teens poisoned in Laos identified
Two Australian teenagers who are fighting for their lives in a hospital in Thailand have been identified.
While travelling around south-east Asia on a gap year, Melbourne teens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19, consumed what is believed to be methanol-laced drinks in Laos.
The young women were found barely alive in their hotel room and were rushed to a hospital in the neighbouring country of Thailand, where they remain on life support.
Authorities suspect the girls drank poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of "vodka" while holidaying in the party town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist area about 130km north of Laos capital, Vientiane.
They were among a large group of international travellers who fell victim to what is feared to be a mass poisoning which has already killed two other people.
Ms Jones’ family has expressed disbelief in what has happened to their daughter, describing her as their "angel" as they rushed to be at her bedside.
"Our beautiful Bianca was on a dream getaway with her best friend Holly," they told the Herald Sun.
"They were filled with joy and had such incredible adventures ahead of them, travelling through Asia. We are here by Bianca’s bedside praying for her."
"She's just an absolute star. She's a bundle of joy. To know her is to love her," the cafe manager told The Age.
"We're just praying for the family. She's just a loyal, caring sweet person. We value her so much as a friend as well as a colleague."
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provided 9News with a statement on Wednesday, with a spokesperson saying they were "providing consular assistance" to two Australians and their families in Thailand.
"Our thoughts are with them at this deeply distressing time," a spokesperson said.
"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment."
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