URGENT UPDATE: A Turkish-German family of four has tragically died, likely poisoned by toxic gas from pesticides in their Istanbul hotel. Preliminary autopsy reports confirm that phosphine gas was present in their hotel room, raising alarming concerns over hotel safety standards.
The Bocek family, who had traveled from Germany, checked into a hotel in Istanbul’s Fatih district. On November 12, 2025, they reported feeling unwell and sought medical treatment. After a brief return to the hotel, their condition worsened. The children, 6-year-old Kadir Muhammet and 3-year-old Masal, succumbed to their ailments that same day, followed by their mother, Cigdem, on November 14. The father, Servet, passed away on November 17.
Authorities have confirmed that the family was not poisoned by food, dismissing initial fears about street food consumed during their trip. Instead, a report submitted to the prosecutor’s office revealed traces of phosphine gas on towels and masks collected from the hotel room, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for immediate regulatory scrutiny of hotel safety practices. In a swift response, Turkish authorities have arrested 11 individuals linked to the hotel’s operations, and the establishment has been closed pending further investigation.
As more details emerge, two additional tourists staying at the same hotel have also been hospitalized with symptoms of nausea and vomiting, heightening concerns about the potential spread of this incident.
This heartbreaking event underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in hospitality settings to protect guests. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds, and the community mourns this devastating loss.
Stay tuned for more developments as authorities work to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.
