A heartbreaking event occurred when a family from Germany on vacation passed away due to a horrible tragedy.

Keep reading to know more.

The Bocek family arrived at their hotel in Istanbul, Turkey on November 9th this month. Just a few days into their vacation, the entire family passed away in an unexpected and heartbreaking way.

Cigdem Bocek and Servet, along with their children, 3-year-old Masal, and 6-year-old Kadir Muhammet, were initially suspected of having food poisoning, but the real reason for their deteriorating health became apparent soon enough.

Authorities now suspect the family might have passed away in an attempt gone wrong to get rid of insects in their hotel room. According to reports from local outlets, the family spent their vacation going to various restaurants and food stalls.

On November 11, they complained of ill health, mostly nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. They were then rushed to the emergency department to deal with their illness.

When they came back to their hotel hours later, their health had further worsened. The two children and Cigdem were then pronounced dead.

Servet was transferred to Cemil Taskcioglu Hospital. She was placed in the ICU for six days before Istanbul health chief Abdullah Emre Guner announced his death on November 17.

Officials speculate the death happened because of aluminium phosphide, a toxic substance usually found in agriculture and homes. It can cause death if a huge amount is inhaled. It is thought that the substance entered the family’s room through bathroom ventilation and ended up poisoning them.

Authorities initially arrested four street vendors on the suspicion that their negligence in food preparation might be behind the poisoning. The investigation involved 11 people, including hotel staff. Prosecutors examined whether the pesticide used in the hotel room might have released a toxic gas into their room.

The investigation revealed that the pest control company the hotel had hired did not have an official certification for the role.

Another report said that two other tourists who were at the hotel were also taken to the hospital for treatment due to the alleged poisoning. Police have apparently taken their belongings for analysis.

The hotel was evacuated and sealed, with police collecting samples from the premises to build an examination.

The bodies of the family were handed to the forensic specialists to determine their cause of death. A toxicology report is still pending for the bodies as well as the hotel.

Cigdem’s father, Mustafa Celik revealed that the family was due to visit them after their few days of vacation in Istanbul. He has promised to file complaints against whoever is responsible for the deaths of his family and hopes for a heavy sentence to deter something like this in the future.

The case is still being investigated.

This is such a tragic event. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the grieving family.

READ MORE