26.11.2025 18:55
The Forensic Medicine Institution prepared the autopsy report regarding the death of the 4-member Böcek family, who died from poisoning in Fatih, Istanbul. It was stated that phosphine gas, originating from pest control, was detected in the hotel room where the family was staying. The autopsy report indicated that "the cause of death of the Böcek family was insecticide poisoning."
In Fatih, the autopsy report regarding the death of the Böcek family has been completed as part of the ongoing investigation. The report states that the cause of the family's death was 'poisoning'.
THE CAUSE OF THE FAMILY'S DEATH IS "INSECT POISONING"
There has been a new development in the investigation regarding the poisoning of Servet (38) and Çiğdem Böcek (27), who came to Istanbul for vacation from Germany on November 9, along with their children Kadir Muhammet (6) and Masal (3), while staying at a hotel in Fatih. The Forensic Medicine Institution has announced the definitive cause of death for the family. According to the autopsy report, the family died from insect poisoning.
"THERE IS NO POISON IN THE BLOOD OR FOOD OF THE BÖCEK FAMILY"
Furthermore, the report prepared yesterday indicated that there was no poison found in the food consumed by the family. No poison was found in the blood of the Böcek family either. However, phosphine was detected in the samples taken from the hotel room.
"THERE ARE STRONG INDICATORS THAT THE FAMILY DIED FROM PHOSPHINE GAS"
The report stated that strong indicators were found suggesting that the family of four died from phosphine gas. It was noted that the definitive cause of death would be determined after obtaining the opinion of the Forensic Medicine 1st Specialization Board.
WHAT IS PHOSPHINE GAS?
Phosphine gas ($PH_3$) is a colorless, extremely toxic, and flammable chemical. It is highly dangerous for humans and animals; inhalation, even at very low concentrations, can lead to death and can cause rapid damage to the body, particularly to the lungs, heart, and nervous system. This gas tends to accumulate on the ground because it is heavier than air, and its odor (rotten fish/garlic) usually comes from impurities.
People primarily use phosphine gas for fumigation purposes, that is, to eliminate harmful insects and rodents in stored agricultural products such as grains and cereals. In practice, it is released when solid chemicals like aluminum phosphide react with moisture. In addition to its high toxicity, the fact that it can form flammable and explosive mixtures upon contact with air poses a significant risk, so its use can only be carried out by authorized and trained individuals under very strict safety measures.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Servet and Çiğdem Böcek, who arrived in Istanbul from Germany on November 9 and were staying at a hotel in Fatih, along with their children Kadir Muhammet and Masal, were hospitalized on November 12 due to complaints of nausea and vomiting, but the children could not be saved despite intervention. The mother, who was treated at Taksim Training and Research Hospital, passed away on November 14, and the father on November 17.
THE HOTEL WHERE THE FAMILY STAYED HAS BEEN SEALED
Two tourists staying at the same hotel as the family were also treated at the same hospital due to complaints of nausea and vomiting. A third person who was staying in the same room and was accompanying the patients was hospitalized for examination due to low heart rate. After the police team's investigation, the hotel was sealed.
NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED
As part of the investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, 11 suspects were taken into custody. After their procedures, the seafood vendor Y.D, the confectioner F.T, the kokoreç vendor E.E, and the café operator F.M.O. were arrested. Additionally, the owner of the pest control company Z.K, along with employees S.K. and D.C., and hotel staff M.M. and U.D.C. were also ordered to be arrested.
The peace criminal court ruled that the hotel owner suspect H.O. would be subject to a "travel ban" and "prohibition from leaving his residence," while other judicial control measures were applied to hotel staff R.B. and simit vendor M.K.