A new twist has come to the case of the deaths of four members of the same family in Istanbul, Turkey. Although an investigation was initially launched on suspicion of food poisoning, it is now believed that the family came into contact with dangerous chemicals used in the hotel.
Servet Böcek, his wife Çiğdem and two children—Kadir and Masal—who had come from Germany on vacation were taken to the hospital after falling unconscious. When all four died within a few days, the matter caused a wave of discussion across the country.
It was later learned that the insecticide used to control bed bugs on the ground floor of the hotel could have reached their rooms through the ventilation system.
Suspected Chemical Poisoning
Local media reported that there were allegations of the use of aluminum phosphide chemicals, which produce phosphine gas when exposed to moisture. This gas is deadly and can damage the respiratory tract even in very small amounts.
Experts pointed to poisoning after seeing the family’s symptoms, such as vomiting, coughing up blood, etc.
Samples collected from the bodies of the deceased have been sent for forensic testing. It is also known that there have been deaths in Turkey in the past due to misuse of the same chemical.
Hotel Error and Investigation
The family was staying at the Harbour Suites Old City in the Fatih area, where the hotel was evacuated and sealed after two other tourists fell ill. Investigators believe that the chemical sprayed to eliminate bedbugs in a ground-floor room went to the upper room through an air vent.
Police collected various samples, including bed sheets, pillows, and water bottles. A total of 11 people, including the hotel owner, staff and pesticide workers, have been detained. However, formal charges have not yet been released.
Bedbug Control Precautions
Health agencies around the world recommend general cleanliness, washing clothes at high temperatures, vacuuming the house and using approved pesticides if necessary.
Experts say that aluminum phosphide is illegal to use in ordinary homes or hotels and is only allowed in barns. Uncontrolled use can lead to serious accidents, as past incidents prove.
Netizen’s Reaction
Some on social media say that their experience suggests that it is important to be careful when traveling to Turkey. Others have demanded that the name of the hotel be revealed so that others can be aware in the future.
Many are commenting in surprise that it was not the food but the chemicals used to eliminate bedbugs that caused the deaths.
Others have reminded us that such incidents are not limited to Turkey—there are also examples of food- and chemical-related illnesses in Italy and other countries.
Some say that the incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning is also relatively high in Turkey, so tourists should be aware.
Watch the video here:
@metrouk Eleven people have been detained after four members of the same family died from suspected poisoning while on holiday in Turkey. They fell ill shortly after eating various foods two days into their trip in Istanbul, including mussels, kokoreç (intestines) and Turkish delight. Police and prosecutors have a theory that a substance used in a bedbug treatment in a room on the hotel’s ground floor may have reached the family’s room through the bathroom ventilation shaft and poisoned them. The investigation into the cause of death is ongoing. #turkey #tragic #turkiye
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