A family from Germany has passed away in what authorities believe may be an accidental incident involving bedbug spray, according to police.

The Bocek family had been staying at a hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 9, when the tragedy occurred shortly into their vacation.

Parents Cigdem Bocek and Servet, along with their children Masal, 3, and Kadir Muhammet, 6, were at first thought to have suffered from food-related sickness.

However, officials now think the family may have been affected by an unintended exposure to insect-control chemicals used at the hotel.

Local reports say the family checked into the hotel on November 9 and spent the next few days dining at various restaurants and food stalls.

On November 11, they visited a local emergency department after experiencing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

When they returned to the hotel a few hours later, their conditions became more serious. The two children and Cigdem sadly did not survive.

Servet was taken to Cemil Taskcioglu Hospital and remained in intensive care for about six days before Istanbul health chief Abdullah Emre Guner announced his passing on November 17.

Authorities suspect that aluminum phosphide, a strong pesticide commonly used in agricultural and household settings, may have entered the family’s room through the bathroom ventilation system.

Police initially detained four street vendors on suspicion of negligence, but the investigation has since expanded to 11 people, including hotel employees, as prosecutors look into whether a pesticide used in the building may have released harmful fumes.

Investigators also found that a worker from the pest control company hired by the hotel reportedly did not have the required certification for their position.

Other reports indicate that two additional tourists who previously stayed at the same hotel were hospitalized with similar symptoms, and their belongings were taken for analysis.

The hotel was later evacuated and secured so police could collect samples for examination.

The family’s remains were handed over to forensic experts to determine the precise cause of death, as toxicology tests from both the victims and the hotel are still ongoing.

Cigdem’s father, Mustafa Celik, shared that the family had planned to visit him after their Istanbul trip. He has expressed his intention to seek accountability from those responsible and hopes for appropriate consequences for anyone found at fault for the loss of his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

The investigation is still in progress.

Source: unilad.com