English
An Istanbul hotel poisoning tragedy forced authorities to evacuate an entire hotel in the Fatih district after a Turkish-German family suffered severe poisoning that killed the mother and two young children. Another two tourists staying at the same property also fell ill on Saturday, raising deeper concerns about possible contamination inside the building. The Istanbul hotel poisoning tragedy now dominates local attention as investigators search for the exact cause.
Family’s illness began after eating street food
The family became sick on Wednesday after eating several popular street dishes in Ortakoy, a busy waterfront area near the Bosphorus bridge.
Doctors treated all four family members, yet the two children—aged six and three—died on Thursday. Their mother died one day later. Health officials said the father remains in critical condition, and doctors continue to monitor him closely.
Hotel evacuated as caution grows
Authorities ordered the evacuation of the unnamed hotel on Saturday. Staff moved all guests to other hotels in the area, according to BirGun newspaper. The outlet did not disclose how many people the evacuation affected, but it described rapid relocation procedures.
Additionally, two unrelated tourists staying at the same hotel reported nausea and vomiting on Saturday. Emergency responders transported them to a hospital for treatment.
Investigators examine pesticide exposure
While early reports focused on the street food the family consumed, new findings widened the investigation. Hurriyet reported that one ground-floor hotel room had been sprayed with pesticides shortly before the family’s stay. This discovery prompted police to detain a hotel employee and two pest-control workers. Authorities have now detained seven people in connection with the incident.
Authorities explore multiple possible sources
Officials confirmed that the victims were Turkish nationals living in Germany who traveled to Istanbul for a holiday.
Investigators now analyze food samples, hotel room surfaces, and toxicology results to determine whether the poisoning originated from contaminated food, pesticide exposure, or a combination of factors. Health chief Abdullah Emre Guner said on Friday that the case requires “very careful forensic evaluation,” adding that officials will release public guidance once laboratory results arrive.
Public fear grows amid unanswered questions
The tragedy shocked Istanbul just as the tourism season enters a busy period. Moreover, many residents expressed concern on social media about pesticide regulations and oversight in budget hotels. Experts urged travelers to stay alert but emphasized that premature speculation may hinder the investigation.
Authorities will continue holding those detained until evidence clarifies the chain of events.
Stay informed with the latest news, analyses, and reports on PhoenixQ .
