Five Tourists Hospitalised After Barmaid Serves Cleaning Agent Instead of Alcohol at Crete Hotel

Five tourists were hospitalised in critical condition after a barmaid at a five-star hotel in Crete mistakenly served them a cleaning agent instead of alcohol. The incident occurred in Gouves, a popular holiday destination in Heraklion, Crete.

The victims, aged between 35 and 69, became severely ill after consuming the highly acidic detergent, which was served to them as shots. According to local reports, the 29-year-old barmaid found the liquid in a glass bottle in the hotel’s fridge and, believing it to be tsikoudia, a traditional Cretan liquor, served it to the tourists. She also poured herself and two other hotel employees drinks, but did not consume her own.

The affected tourists, including nationals from the UK and Germany, were rushed to Venizelio University Hospital, where they were placed in the intensive care unit. They remain in serious condition, with doctors reporting that they have been intubated.

Local authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident. The liquid, identified as a cleaning detergent, was confiscated for further analysis, and the bar has been temporarily closed. Health and safety officials have been called in to assess the situation and ensure compliance with regulations.

(Source: Daily Mail UK)