A toxic mix‑up at Crete Hotel Bar leaves five tourists critical
Two Britons, two Dutch individuals, and one German were hospitalized in serious condition in Crete. The incident occurred because a bartender mistakenly used a strongly corrosive detergent instead of alcohol in their drinks. An investigation is ongoing, and the hotel's restaurant has been closed.
9 October 2024 10:29
According to the Focus on Travel News portal, the grave mistake happened at a five-star hotel in Gouves, near Heraklion on Crete.
Five tourists ordered drinks at the bar, but they were served a highly corrosive substance instead of their expected beverages.
Poisoning in Crete: Instead of high-proof drinks, they drank detergent
The tourists, aged 35 to 69, went to the hotel bar, expecting to consume high-proof drinks.
Shortly afterwards, all five began feeling very unwell. An ambulance was called to the hotel, and the men were transported to the university hospital near Heraklion.
The two Britons, two Dutch individuals, and the German were admitted to the intensive care unit, with the condition of two being so severe that they required intubation.
Bartender detained, investigation ongoing
Local authorities detained the hotel manager and the bartender for questioning.
Reports indicate that the bartender poured liquid from a bottle labelled as a popular Greek beverage. He claims he did not know it contained detergent. Preliminary laboratory tests revealed that a strong cleaning agent, causing severe internal damage, was served to the tourists.
The island's authorities and police have launched a detailed investigation. Samples taken from the bar will be tested to determine whether it was an accident or a deliberate act.
The bar has been closed for the duration of the investigation.
