Greek hotel tragedy: Tourists hospitalised after acid mix‑up
On the Greek island of Crete, in the town of Gouves, a serious incident occurred at a five-star hotel, resulting in five tourists being hospitalised. According to Ftnnews.com, hotel guests were served a liquid containing a strong acid instead of their ordered alcoholic beverages.
A group of tourists aged between 35 and 69 ordered a traditional Greek alcoholic drink, tsikoudia, at the bar. Instead of alcohol, a highly corrosive detergent was served in their glasses. The accidentally consumed chemical caused severe poisoning symptoms in the victims.
All individuals had to be taken to hospital. Five tourists—including two British citizens, a German, and two from the Netherlands—were admitted to the intensive care unit of the University Hospital Venizelio. Two were in critical condition, requiring intubation.
Arrest of the barmaid and hotel manager
In the wake of this dramatic incident, Greek police arrested the barmaid and the hotel manager. They are now awaiting interrogation regarding potential negligence.
Bar staff accounts suggest that the liquid from a bottle incorrectly labelled as tsikoudia was poured into the glasses. This error resulted in harmful chemicals being served to guests, which can cause severe internal damage if ingested.
The Greek sanitary-epidemiological services have secured samples from the hotel bar, which will now be analysed. The research aims to determine the exact composition of the substance and to clarify whether the situation was a result of tragic negligence or a deliberate act.
Temporary closure of the bar and sanitary investigation
Preliminary findings indicate serious lapses in safety procedures. The hotel bar, where the poisoning occurred, has been temporarily closed during the investigation.
Representatives of local health services conducted a detailed inspection of the hotel to assess whether sanitary rules and regulations for handling and storing chemicals were being adhered to.
The hotel management has not yet issued an official statement about the incident, and the investigation is set to determine whether significant staff oversights could have caused grave consequences for the guests' health and lives.
