Finally there is certainty. Four members of a family from the northern German city of Hamburg recently died in the Turkish coastal city of Istanbul, poisoned by pesticides used at their hotel. This is the conclusion of the forensic report, which was released to authorities on November 26, according to Turkish media reports.
The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday that the family members died from pesticide used at their hotel. It did not mention the exact type of poison, but also said there were no signs of food poisoning.
As a result of the new findings, government prosecutors said four suspects had been released, including people who owned food stalls and restaurants. Six other people, including the hotel owner, a pest control company owner and several of his employees, are in custody.
Multiple media outlets previously reported that investigators had discovered Foxin in the family’s hotel room. This highly toxic gas is produced when aluminum phosphide comes in contact with water or moisture. It can damage the body’s cells, block oxygen transport in high concentrations and, for example, cause people to cough, vomit, as well as cause liver and kidney dysfunction.
In Türkiye, aluminum phosphide is often used for pest control in farms and warehouses.
The death of a family of four has not only caused deep concern, but also exposed serious safety shortcomings and brought to light a series of unresolved poisoning cases in Turkey.
The family traveled to Istanbul for a short vacation on 9 November. The parents and their two children went to the hospital on November 12 complaining of symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting. After treatment, he returned to his hotel but his condition deteriorated rapidly during the night. After some time they went back to the hospital with the dying children. The mother died the next day, while the father remained in intensive care. He died on 17 November.
Initially there is suspicion of food poisoning
At first, authorities suspected food poisoning because the family had eaten a lot of street food and fast food.
However, suspicion immediately moved to the hotel where the family was staying, as other guests were admitted to nearby hospitals with similar symptoms. According to the hotel manager, highly toxic pesticides were used to deal with bedbugs in the hotel. Therefore investigators considered chemical poisoning the more likely cause of death.
The investigation has revealed shocking information about the pest control company used by the hotel. According to the transcripts, when the owner was questioned he admitted he did not have the correct license to provide pest control, and he could not provide proof of relevant safety training.
Other similar, unresolved cases
In the wake of the deaths of four members of a Hamburg family, the parents of a three-year-old boy who died in Istanbul on April 18, 2023, have come forward. According to the autopsy report, their child was poisoned by pesticides that were deployed in the area around him. The same company was involved and continued to operate despite a legal complaint filed by the child’s parents.
The recent case has also drawn attention to unresolved cases that show there is a widespread problem with pesticide use.
The parents of Marlene P., an Erasmus student from the German city of Lüneburg who died in Istanbul a year ago, have also spoken out. She received the forensic report on the cause of death of her child in August 2025. There is also a description of poisoning by pesticides. It appears that the apartment below Marlene P.’s was sprayed with pesticides to deal with the bedbugs. The parents have demanded the matter be resolved and those responsible held accountable.
A year ago, a one-year-old boy died in Izmir and a seven-year-old boy died in Konya. In both cases, pest controllers are reported to have sprayed toxic pesticides.
mass food poisoning
Food poisoning is also a problem in Türkiye. According to Turkish news agency DHA, at least 15 cases of mass poisoning were reported in November alone. More than 900 people who ate food in canteens, cafeterias or at large events required treatment. It is believed that this is only the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported.
In light of the latest tragedy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and relevant ministries are working to limit damage and tighten controls. Istanbul authorities have announced tighter controls on street vendors and the establishment of a new food inspection commission. Additionally, food-related businesses will be required to perform uninterrupted audio and video recording.
The sale and use of pesticides will also be subject to strict control.
The tourism sector has expressed concern over recent cases of poisoning: Rasit Genç, the owner of a travel agency based in Istanbul’s old city, told DW that there have been a series of cancellations.
The German tourism industry has also taken action.
In response to an inquiry from DW, the German Travel Association (DRV) said it had contacted the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (Turofed) and the Turkish Embassy, adding, “We have urgently requested that hotels be contacted to ensure that only permitted and approved pest control treatments are used, and used properly so as not to threaten the safety of people – guests as well as staff.”
The German Foreign Office has not yet updated its travel advice for Türkiye. At present it is not clear whether this will happen or not.
This article was translated from German.