A German family of four, feared to have died from food poisoning during a holiday to Turkey, were 'most likely' killed by a chemical agent in their hotel room, according to investigators.
A Holiday Turns to Tragedy
The family, who had travelled from Hamburg, Germany, just two days prior, fell violently ill at their Istanbul hotel on Wednesday, November 12. Father Servet Bocek, 38, mother Cigdem Bocek, 27, and their two children, six-year-old Kadir and three-year-old Masal, all began suffering from extreme nausea and vomiting.
It was initially believed the family had succumbed to a severe bout of food poisoning after they ventured out to sample local cuisine in the city's Besiktas district. They are known to have tried the popular street snack midye (stuffed mussels), and later dined at a restaurant where they ordered dishes including kokorec (made from calf intestines) and tavuk tantuni (a chicken wrap). Before returning to their hotel, they also bought Turkish delights from a shop in the Fatih area.
From Hospital Discharge to Fatal Outcome
The taxi driver who rushed the panicked family to the hospital recounted the harrowing journey. He stated the father told him, "We ate and drank something and it probably affected us," and pleaded to be taken to the nearest medical facility. The driver described the young girl vomiting continuously and the mother appearing semi-conscious.
Tragically, the two children died that same Wednesday. Their mother, Cigdem, lost her life on the Friday, and father Servet passed away the following Monday. Despite receiving treatment at two different medical facilities and being discharged, their conditions drastically worsened.
Investigation Shifts to Hotel Chemical Agent
A preliminary report from the Turkish forensic institute has now shifted the focus of the investigation. State broadcaster TRT, citing the document, reported that the deaths were most likely caused by chemical poisoning at the hotel.
The forensic institute is examining reports of poisoning from chemicals potentially used for pest control in the establishment, with samples currently being analysed. While food poisoning has not been entirely ruled out, it is now considered a less likely cause as the investigation progresses.
The case has escalated, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowing a comprehensive investigation. Authorities have arrested 11 suspects, including sweet vendors, a stuffed mussels seller, a kokorec vendor, and a cafe owner, according to the Anadolu news agency.
In a concerning development, BirGun newspaper reported that two other tourists staying at the same hotel were hospitalised on Saturday with similar symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The children's grandfather is now demanding answers, questioning if others have been affected.
