Spiked drinks blind British girl, 20, on Greek holiday island
A YOUNG British tourist has collapsed with kidney failure and blindness after a suspected case of poisoning from spiked drinks on the Greek holiday island of Zakynthos.
Twenty-year-old Hannah Powell collapsed seven days ago and remains in hospital undergoing tests and treatment with Greek press reporting she had taken drinks laced with cheap alcohol.
Her parents Christine and Derek Powell have flown out from Middlesbrough to be with her as she lies in intensive care in Patra. Neither made any comment last night.
Hannah had apparently been holidaying with friends and had been drinking party cocktails in the bay resort of Laganas, famous for its stretch of rowdy bars.
After the evening out she was said to be feeling normal, slept for 48 hours and woke up unable to see.
Doctors on Zakynthos immedi- ately transferred her to the hospital in the Peloponnese. It is understood she has made significant progress.
It is uncertain whether her kidneys or her sight will fully return to normal, however.
Drinks adulterated with cheap spirit, often home-made, to cut costs have been a consistent problem in the southern Mediterranean. Reporters claim that the victim has suffered methanol poisoning – a result of cheap spirits – leading to partial blindness.
Spiked drinks, or bombes, are served in some bars and clubs in Athens and resorts known for partying – such as those on Zakynthos – have had problems in the past.
It is thought that methanol poisoning may have been a catalyst, although doctors believe it would not account for the full extent of Hannah’s condition.
Dr Dimitris Goumenos, head of the Kidney Clinic at the University Hospital, Patra, said last night: ‘When she came in Hannah was on the verge of being blind. The problem was much more serious than just a plain methanol poisoning. Her parents wanted to take her home to Britain this weekend, but I would not be happy for her to travel on a plane until much later in the week, depending on her condition.’
Zakynthos is the third largest Ionian island. It is popular with families and young couples, but Laganas has become a draw for students and young people keen to let their hair down, indulging in drunkenness and wild parties.
Additional reporting: Evi Malliarou