Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Turkey Detains Up to 11 in Probe of Suspected Poisoning That Killed German Mother and Two Children

Investigators are testing food samples plus hotel chemicals to pinpoint the source.

Overview

  • The Böcek family from Hamburg fell ill in Istanbul after eating street and restaurant food; the mother, Çiğdem, and children Masal, 3, and Kadir, 6, later died.
  • Reports conflict on the father's status, with some saying he remains intubated in hospital and others citing an official post announcing his death.
  • Authorities evacuated and sealed the Fatih district hotel after two other guests were treated for nausea and vomiting.
  • Detainees include street vendors, the hotel owner and staff, and personnel from a pest-control company, according to Turkish media and prosecutors.
  • Samples from eateries and the hotel, along with autopsies at the Forensic Medicine Institute, are expected to determine whether contaminated food or pesticides were responsible.