A tragic incident involving a German family in Istanbul has led to an investigation into possible bedbug spray poisoning. The Bocek family, who were on a vacation, died shortly after arriving at their hotel on November 9.
The family consisted of parents Cigdem and Servet Bocek, along with their children, Masal (3) and Kadir Muhammet (6). Initially, their deaths were suspected to be due to food poisoning. However, authorities are now considering the possibility that a failed insecticide application in their hotel room may have been the cause.
Reports indicate that the family enjoyed meals at various local eateries after checking into the hotel. On November 11, they sought medical help for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
After returning to the hotel, their condition worsened, leading to the deaths of Cigdem and her children. Servet was hospitalized at Cemil Taskcioglu Hospital and placed in intensive care. Unfortunately, he passed away six days later, as confirmed by Istanbul health chief Abdullah Emre Guner on November 17.
Aluminium phosphide, a highly toxic chemical used for pest control, is suspected to have entered the family’s room through ventilation, leading to their poisoning.
Four street vendors were initially detained for negligence-related charges, but the investigation widened to include 11 individuals, predominantly hotel staff. The inquiry seeks to determine if the pesticide used in the hotel could have released harmful gases.
Additionally, the pest control company involved reportedly employed a worker who was not officially certified.
There have been other cases reported of tourists requiring medical attention after staying at the same hotel. Police have confiscated belongings for analysis, and the hotel has been sealed off while samples are collected for forensic examination.
Toxicology tests are being conducted to confirm the cause of death, and the bodies have been submitted to forensic experts for further investigation.
Cigdem’s father, Mustafa Celik, expressed his intent to pursue legal action against those responsible for the tragedy, seeking the harshest penalties for his family’s loss.
The investigation into this heartbreaking event continues.