Istanbul Hotel Evacuated After Fatal Poisonings: Investigation Focuses on Food Safety

Authorities in Istanbul have intensified investigations following the deaths of a German mother and her two young children, who were found to have died from suspected poisoning while staying at a hotel in the Fatih district. The incident has prompted a large-scale evacuation of the hotel, with guests relocated to alternative accommodations as forensic teams conduct thorough examinations of the premises and its contents.

The case came to light after the Hamburg-based family, of Turkish descent, was found unresponsive in their hotel room. Two additional tourists from Italy and Morocco displayed symptoms consistent with poisoning and were subsequently hospitalized. Their conditions are reported to be stable and not life-threatening.

In response to these events, local officials have removed all items from the affected hotel for comprehensive laboratory testing. Particular attention is being paid to environmental factors, including the hotel's water supply, which has already been sampled for contaminants. Additionally, one of the ground floor rooms underwent a deep chemical cleaning, reportedly involving pesticides typically used for pest control.

As part of the ongoing investigation, law enforcement has detained eight individuals connected to the hotel and its vicinity. Among those taken into custody are two individuals responsible for the disinfection process, a hotel manager, and a local baker whose establishment operates near the hotel. The baker's apprehension followed reports from Turkish media, though official confirmation of the arrest is pending.

Authorities are also exploring the possibility of foodborne contamination. The deceased mother and her children, aged three and six, are suspected to have suffered fatal food poisoning, though definitive laboratory results are still awaited. Preliminary autopsy findings have not yet provided conclusive evidence regarding the exact cause of death.

Further investigations have identified several food vendors operating near the hotel as persons of interest. Four individuals, including sellers of confectionery, stuffed mussels, and a traditional dish made from veal intestines, have been detained on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. Reports suggest that all suspects have prior criminal records. In addition, authorities have ordered the closure of a food establishment believed to have served the affected family.

The father of the family remains in intensive care at a local hospital, as medical teams work to stabilize his condition. The three family members who passed away were laid to rest in the western Turkish city of Afyonkarahisar. The investigation remains ongoing, with public health and law enforcement officials working closely to determine the root cause of the tragedy and prevent further incidents.

Officials have reiterated their commitment to uncovering the precise circumstances that led to the fatalities and ensuring the safety of both local residents and international visitors in Istanbul. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from ongoing forensic and laboratory analyses.