A vacation in Greece turned into a nightmare for five tourists at a five-star hotel in Gouves, Crete, after they were served a highly acidic detergent instead of alcohol at the hotel bar.
The incident occurred around midnight, leaving two British, one German, and two Dutch tourists critically ill and in need of immediate hospitalization.
The tourists, aged between 35 and 69, requested drinks from the bar, unaware that what they were consuming was not the liquor they had expected.
Shortly after consuming the liquid, they began to feel unwell and were rushed to Venizelio University Hospital by ambulances called in by hotel staff.
According to hospital officials, all five tourists were admitted to the intensive care unit, with two of them now intubated due to the severity of their condition.
Local authorities have taken the hotel manager and bartender into custody for questioning.
According to reports, the bartender claimed that he had poured the liquid from a bottle labeled tsikoudia, a popular Greek alcoholic beverage, without realizing it contained detergent. Preliminary tests on the liquid revealed it to be a highly acidic cleaning agent, causing serious internal damage to those who ingested it.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among both locals and international travelers.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how such a dangerous mix-up could have occurred at an establishment of this caliber. The hotel, which caters to hundreds of tourists every season, now faces legal and financial repercussions, with its reputation likely to suffer significantly.
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the matter, with the Hellenic Police working closely with health officials to ensure the safety of other guests and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The samples taken from the bar will undergo further testing to determine the exact composition of the liquid and to establish whether it was a case of gross negligence or an intentional act.
The Greek tourism industry is on high alert following the incident, as Crete is a major holiday destination, particularly for British, German, and Dutch tourists. The local tourism board has expressed concern over the impact such news could have on the island’s reputation. With summer drawing to a close, Crete is still bustling with visitors, and any negative publicity could deter potential travelers.
The hotel management has yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that the bar where the incident occurred has been temporarily closed as the investigation continues. Local health and safety authorities have also been called in to inspect the premises and ensure compliance with all regulations.
This tragic event underscores the importance of safety and quality control measures in the hospitality industry, particularly in regions heavily dependent on tourism. The incident serves as a reminder for travelers to remain vigilant and for hotels to maintain rigorous standards to ensure the well-being of their guests.
