Hiccuping diner hospitalized after being given oven cleaner as cure

A female diner is in intensive care in hospital after staff at a restaurant in Paradise Point on Australia's Gold Coast accidentally gave her oven cleaner to cure her hiccups. The woman, believed to be in her 40s, had been finishing up a meal with a friend at The Point Restaurant last week when she began hiccupping uncontrollably.

A helpful staffer advised that vinegar was an instant cure and called for a small glass of the liquid from the kitchen. The woman downed the clear liquid that was given to her and began choking as horrified staff realised they had accidentally poured out oven cleaner instead of vinegar.

It is understood a small bottle of the corrosive cleaning fluid positioned beside a large bottle of vinegar may have been picked up in error. Paramedics arrived and took the woman to Pindara Hospital where she was held in intensive care. Police confirmed they were investigating the incident and had been interviewing staff and customers. Workplace Health and Safety officers said they were also making inquiries.

Speaking about the 'tragic mistake', The Point restaurant owner Paul Jeynes said: ''It's a hard situation, it is very unfortunate and we feel for the family and the woman. It was an accident but we accept full responsibility.'' Mr Jeynes said the situation had shocked staff. ''This is a terrible thing for the restaurant but it's not about us right now,'' he said. ''We will do everything and anything to assist her family.'' He said he was assisting authorities with their investigations.