A Family's Tragedy: Chemical Poisoning at Istanbul Hotel

In November 2025, the Böcek family, German tourists, died in Istanbul due to suspected chemical poisoning at their hotel.

The family—Çiğdem, Servet, Kadir Muhammet (6), and Masal (3)—checked into the Harbour Suit Hotel on November 9, 2025.

On November 11, they ate local foods. The next morning, they experienced nausea and vomiting. After a brief hospital visit, their condition worsened. The children died shortly after, followed by the mother and then the father.

Before her death, Çiğdem Böcek described their meals.

The investigation shifted from food poisoning after tests cleared the food. Investigators found that Room 101, below the family's Room 201, had been fumigated for bedbugs on November 11.

The suspected toxin was Aluminum Phosphide, a dangerous chemical used illegally for pest control. It likely spread through the ventilation system.

Three other tourists on the fourth floor were hospitalized with similar symptoms but recovered.

The pest control company, DSS, was unlicensed. The owner and worker admitted to lacking training. The worker sealed the toilet ventilation after mixing chemicals.

The hotel owner, Hakan O., was charged for hiring an unauthorized company.

A night receptionist locked the main door. Security footage shows the father trying to break the door to get help. Bystanders helped break the lock as the receptionist returned.

Hotel staff and pest control employees face charges of causing death and injury by negligence. Four suspects were arrested, including the hotel owner, receptionist, pest control owner, and worker.

The father was buried next to his family.