UPDATE: A Turkish-German family of four tragically died while vacationing in Istanbul, with preliminary reports indicating they were likely poisoned by pesticide gas. The Bocek family, who had just arrived from Germany, became seriously ill at their hotel in the Fatih district on November 12.
According to Turkey’s state-run news agency, a preliminary autopsy revealed the presence of phosphine gas, an insecticide, detected on towels and masks in their hotel room. This alarming finding raises urgent concerns about hotel safety standards. The family initially sought treatment at a local hospital but returned to their hotel, only to fall ill again and require ambulance services the next day. Tragically, their children, Kadir Muhammet, aged 6, and Masal, aged 3, died on November 13. Their mother, Cigdem, succumbed to illness on November 14, followed by their father, Servet, on November 17.
The investigation has intensified, with authorities confirming that the family did not suffer food poisoning, dispelling initial fears linked to local street food consumed during their travels. Two other tourists in the hotel experienced nausea and vomiting and were hospitalized, further complicating the situation.
In response to the tragedy, Turkish authorities have arrested 11 individuals connected to the hotel, which has now been closed for further investigation. The prosecutor’s office is reviewing all evidence, and officials are calling for rigorous oversight of hotel safety practices to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
This heartbreaking episode has sparked outrage and concern among travelers regarding the safety and health standards in accommodations, emphasizing the need for immediate action and stricter regulations in the hospitality sector.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities work to determine the full extent of the negligence involved. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety when booking accommodations in the future.
