Bianca Jones’s father Mark urges Laos government to investigate methanol poisoning incident and prevent further deaths

The family of a young Australian girl who died in hospital after falling critically ill from a mass methanol poisoning in Laos has urged the local government to prevent other lives from being lost.

Bianca Jones died in a Thailand hospital on Thursday, and her friend Holly Bowles’ family confirmed her death the next day.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Father of Melbourne teen Bianca Jones speaks out.

The teenagers were among a dozen other tourists who became ill in the suspected mass methanol poisoning event in the popular town of Vang Vieng earlier this month.

Bianca’s father Mark Jones spoke on behalf of the family, including her mother Michelle Jones and brother Lachlan Jones, thanking everyone who has supported them.

“It’s been overwhelming for our family, from everyone from our family, our friends,” he said.

“Lachie’s friends and of course Bianca’s friends, all the way through to the PM, the Opposition Leader, extending to the likes of Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam.

“We are incredibly grateful.”

Mark extended his condolences to the Bowles family and “the families of those that have suffered this terrible methanol poisoning tragedy in Laos — to the loved ones of the two Danish women, the British woman and the American man that has lost their lives”.

“We share in your grief and hold you close in our thoughts,” he said.

“Our daughter was on the trip of a lifetime with one of her best mates.

“This was meant to be a trip full of lifelong memories and was to be the first of many.

“Bianca wanted to explore the world, meet new friends, lead and create change for good.

“Her life had just begun.

“She was a young woman that had a lust for life. A lust for life and adventure, which has cruelly been cut short.”

Mark thanked the Australian government for its support, but urged the Laos government “to investigate this to the fullest extent to make sure this incident doesn’t happen again”.

“We can’t have the passing of our daughter not lead to change to protect others,” he said.

“Young men and women should be able to travel, create their own life experiences and be safe.

“We’ll forever miss our beautiful girl and hope her loss of life has not been in vain.”

Bianca and Holly, both from Melbourne, had been on a gap year holiday that was years in the making when they fell ill.

The pair reported feeling unwell on November 13, before being taken to separate hospitals in Bangkok.

Bianca’s life support was switched off on Thursday after her family had exhausted all medical avenues.

Holly’s family confirmed her death the following day.

“It is with broken hearts and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” the Bowles family said in a statement late on Friday.

“We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly bought so much joy and happiness to so many people.

“Holly was living her best life travelling through South East Asia meeting new friends and enjoying incredible experiences.

“As her parents we were always so incredibly proud of everything Holly did. Holly was an amazing big sister to James and she always looked out for him.

“We would like to thank everyone from back home, in Canada and around the world for the love and support that Holly and our family have received.”

7NEWS understands the families will begin making preparations to bring the girls’ bodies home. However, this could take several weeks due to the police investigation into the incident.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Bianca in federal parliament on Thursday, saying her death was a “terrible and cruel loss”.

“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” he said during Question Time.

“All Australians offer them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak.

“Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come, memories that she should have carried with her into the long, bright future that lay ahead of her.

“It is beyond sad that this was not to be.”

He again paid tribute to the girls after the “tragic” update on Friday.

“This should have been a trip filled with joy and wonderful memories — it is beyond sad that is it not to be,” Albanese 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.

“The Australian Government will continue to provide support Holly and Bianca’s families and the local authorities.”