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Istanbul Probes German Family’s Deaths as Focus Turns to Suspected Hotel Fumigation

Toxicology labs are testing for aluminium phosphide after food checks found no evidence of contamination.

Overview

  • Investigators have sealed the Fatih hotel, moved out guests, and shuttered several food outlets while the inquiry proceeds.
  • Police detained the hotel manager and pest-control staff, with four arrest warrants issued and at least seven additional suspects held, including the hotel owner.
  • Forensic teams are analyzing the victims’ blood for aluminium phosphide, with results expected in about a week, after initial autopsies did not support food poisoning.
  • Two other guests from the same hotel were treated for nausea and vomiting, and Turkish reports describe similar past tourist poisonings in the district.
  • A journalist reported that the arrested exterminator had earlier used a product containing aluminium phosphide in a separate incident, as President Erdoğan promises a full probe and opposition figures assail tourism safety oversight.