A German-Turkish family’s tragic holiday in Istanbul took a deadly turn—investigators now believe chemicals at their hotel were to blame for their deaths.
Four Family Members Fall Sick and Die
Masal, 3, and her brother Muhammet, 6, fell violently ill alongside their parents, Çiğdem and Servet Böcek, while staying at a Fatih district hotel. Initial reports blamed food poisoning, but fresh forensic findings reveal a far darker cause.
Turkey’s Council of Forensic Medicine (ATK) says toxic chemical exposure inside the hotel most likely led to the family’s deaths, TRT reported.
Investigators Point to Chemicals, Not Food Poisoning
“We have considered the circumstances, the family’s medical history, and the fact that two other hotel guests are hospitalised with similar symptoms,” said an official statement.
“It is believed the mother and children most likely died from chemical substance poisoning from the hotel environment. Food poisoning is less likely.”
Pathological, microbiological, and toxicological tests are ongoing to confirm the exact cause of death.
Last Known Movements and Food They Ate
After flying in from Hamburg on November 9, the family headed to hospital three days later with severe nausea and vomiting. The day before falling ill, they sampled local street food in Ortaköy, trying popular midye (stuffed mussels) and later ordered kokoreç (calf intestines) and tavuk tantuni (chicken wraps) at a local restaurant. They also bought Turkish delights in Fatih before returning to their hotel.
Major Probe and Arrests Underway
Istanbul’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office has launched a full investigation. So far, 11 suspects have been detained, including street vendors who sold the family food, two hotel staff, and the pest control company’s owner.
Arrested include:
- Mussel seller YD
- Turkish delight seller FT
- Kokoreç seller EE
- Café owner FMO
- Two hotel employees
- Pest control company owner
Çiğdem and her children died last week despite medical efforts. Servet passed away on Monday after six days in intensive care.
