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Istanbul Deaths of German Family Spur 11 Detentions as Probe Eyes Hotel Pesticide

Authorities are focusing on potential pesticide exposure at the family’s hotel pending toxicology results.

Overview

  • All four members of the Böcek family have died, with the father’s death confirmed by Istanbul’s health chief after days in intensive care.
  • Prosecutors have detained 11 people linked to street vendors, the hotel’s ownership and staff, and a pest-control firm.
  • Investigators are testing both foodborne illness and suspected exposure to aluminium phosphide from recent fumigation as competing explanations.
  • The hotel was evacuated and sealed after two other guests fell ill, and police collected materials and personal items for analysis.
  • The Forensic Medicine Institute is examining food and hotel samples and conducting post-mortems, with several detainees reported to be headed before a judge.