Turkish-German Family of Four Dies from Pesticide Poisoning in Istanbul

A Turkish-German family of four tragically died while on holiday in Istanbul, likely due to poisoning from pesticide gas. The Bocek family, who had traveled from Germany, was staying at a hotel in the Fatih district when they fell ill. According to a preliminary autopsy report cited by Turkey’s state-run news agency, the suspected cause of death is phosphine gas emitted from a pesticide used to treat a bug infestation at the hotel.

On November 12, 2025, the family experienced severe health issues and sought medical treatment, initially traveling to a hospital by taxi. After returning to their hotel, their condition deteriorated, prompting an ambulance call the following day. The couple’s children, six-year-old Kadir Muhammet and three-year-old Masal, died the same day they were taken to the hospital. Their mother, Cigdem, passed away on November 14, while their father, Servet, succumbed to the effects of the poisoning on November 17.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

The deaths of the Bocek family have sparked significant concerns about hotel safety standards in Istanbul. A preliminary report submitted to the prosecutor’s office indicated the presence of phosphine gas on towels, masks, and swab samples collected from various areas within their hotel room. The autopsy also confirmed that the family had not been poisoned by food, eliminating initial suspicions related to street food consumed during their time in the city.

Two additional tourists staying at the same hotel experienced similar symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, and required hospitalization. In response to the incident, authorities have arrested 11 individuals connected to the hotel management and operations, as investigations continue. The hotel has been closed pending further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the tragic events.

This incident raises critical questions about the use of pesticides in hospitality settings and the regulatory measures in place to ensure guest safety. As authorities delve deeper into the investigation, calls for stricter oversight of hotel safety standards are intensifying, highlighting the need for improved regulations to protect visitors.