A bartender in Vietnam has been arrested following the tragic deaths of a British couple, who succumbed to methanol poisoning after consuming homemade limoncello. The incident occurred in December, when 33-year-old Greta Marie Otteson and her fiancé, 36-year-old Arno Quinto Els, were found dead in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell Villa shortly after Christmas.
Local authorities reported that the bartender, identified as 46-year-old Le Tan Gia, was charged with violating food safety regulations. According to police statements, Gia allegedly used 70 percent medical alcohol to prepare the limoncello, mixing it with water, lemonade, and sugar. This type of alcohol is intended for disinfectant purposes and is not safe for consumption. The couple had ordered two bottles of the drink on Christmas Eve and experienced severe hangover symptoms the following day, prompting Otteson to contact her parents to describe her condition, which included seeing "black spots" in her vision.
Upon investigation, police confirmed that both individuals died from methanol poisoning, as determined by autopsy results. The couple’s deaths have sparked outrage and calls for justice from their families, who described them as experienced travelers excited about their life in Vietnam. They were reportedly planning for their future together.
This incident highlights a growing concern regarding the safety of alcoholic beverages in tourist areas, particularly those that are homemade or sold in unregulated environments. Methanol, a colorless alcohol found in various industrial products, can be deadly when ingested, and its presence in alcoholic drinks poses significant health risks.
The local police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths, and the case has drawn attention to the need for stricter regulations and enforcement regarding food and beverage safety in Vietnam’s hospitality industry.