Tourist dies after drinking toxic fluid in water bottle

A holidaymaker died after mistakenly drinking a toxic liquid which was put into a water bottle, an inquest heard.

Gloria Smith swallowed the cleaning liquid believing it to be water after it was accidently left on the table of her hotel room in Cyprus.

The hearing at Walsall Coroner's Court was told the cleaner had put some stain remover in the container rather than carry a big bottle after seeking the advice of a supervisor. The 60-year-old retired hairdresser from Walsall picked up the container thinking it was just normal water.

She soon collapsed in the bathroom shouting "it's poison." Mrs Smith of Basalt Close, Reedswood, was on fourth day of a two-week holiday with partner of two years Raymond Francis when the tragedy unfolded in September 2010.

She was rushed to hospital where she died after suffering a build up of fluid in the lungs and brain. Despite the requests of Black Country Coroner Robin Balmain further pathology tests have not been made available to experts in the UK.

Reliving the events at Walsall Manor Hospital yesterday Mr Francis said he put the liquid to his lips after Mrs Smith collapsed to the floor and could immediately feel burning.

He sought help straight away and insisted the bottle was the same appearance as a normal small water container. A statement from the cleaner to police, which was read out at the inquest, said the fluid had been transferred into a water bottle.

She was contacted by the hotel manager after widowed Mrs Smith was rushed to hospital and insisted it had not been intentionally left on the table.

She was arrested but the outcome of the investigation has not been released to the coroner,or family members.

Black Country Coroner Robin Balmain recorded a narrative verdict saying the fluid was the cause of Mrs Smith's death. He criticised the "grossly negligent practice" of the hotel.