Tragedy in Crete: Tourists poisoned with detergent cocktails
Two Britons, two Dutchmen, and a German, were hospitalized in critical condition in Crete after a bartender accidentally mixed a strong corrosive detergent into their drinks instead of alcohol. An investigation is underway, and the hotel restaurant has been closed.
7:47 AM EDT, October 9, 2024
According to the Focus on Travel News portal, the tragic mistake occurred at a five-star hotel in Gouves, near Heraklion in Crete.
Five tourists ordered drinks at the bar. Instead of the expected beverages, they were served a highly corrosive agent.
Poisoning in Crete. Instead of strong alcoholic drinks, they drank detergent
The tourists, aged between 35 and 69, went to the hotel bar where they thought they were drinking high-proof beverages.
Shortly after, all five began to feel very unwell. An ambulance was called to the hotel, and the men were taken to a university hospital near Heraklion.
The two Britons, two Dutchmen, 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 labeled as a popular Greek liquor. He claims he did not know it contained detergent. Initial lab tests revealed that the tourists were served a strong cleaning agent, causing severe internal damage.
Island authorities and police have launched a detailed investigation into the matter. Samples taken from the bar will undergo further testing to determine whether it was an accident or a deliberate act.
The bar has been closed for the duration of the investigation.
