The surprise that awaited dead children at home on vacation in Istanbul, after a street-food meal. Four people, detained
Kadir (six) and Masal (three), along with their mother, died while on holiday in Istanbul after allegedly suffering from food poisoning, and their father is in a critical condition. The kitten from Hamburg, prepared to be the surprise of the two children, was left without a family.
The two children died in Istanbul PHOTO: Bild capture
The Böcek family, based in Hamburg, Germany, went to Turkey for a few days of vacation. On November 11, in the tourist district of Ortaköy on the European side of the Bosphorus, they sampled street food: midye dolma (rice and herb stuffed clams), kokoreç (grilled lamb intestines) and other local delicacies, according to Bild.
Shortly after the meal, the mother, father and children began to feel sick, complaining of nausea and severe pain. Initially, they were taken to the hospital, examined and sent back to the hotel, but during the evening their condition worsened dramatically. They arrived at the hospital again, but the two children died, followed by their mother. The father, Servet B. (38 years old), remains hospitalized, mechanically ventilated, in critical condition.
Pain and memories from Hamburg
The family had lived in Hamburg for years, where they had left behind devoted friends and neighbors. The children were supposed to receive a cat as a surprise when they returned from vacation, but now the animal remains without owners.
“I'm shocked, I have no words” says a friend and neighbor. She takes care of the cat that Kadir and Masal were going to receive.
The kitten that the little ones were going to receive PHOTO: Bild capture
“They were a peaceful and united family, always together, always smiling. I can't believe something like this happened.” a neighbor told Bild.
The father, Servet, worked at Hamburg airport, and the mother took care of the children. Kadir started school in the fall, while Masal attended a kindergarten in the eastern part of the city.
In front of the family's apartment, everything seems normal, as if he has only been out for a short time.
Four people, detained
The case attracted public attention in Turkey and internationally, raising concerns about the safety of street food, especially in tourist areas such as Ortaköy. The Food and Drug Administration said it would continue to monitor the sites involved and that steps had been taken to protect public health.
The German Foreign Ministry confirmed that the victims were German citizens and is in contact with local authorities.
“I wish the father, who is undergoing treatment, a speedy recovery“said the minister.
Four people involved in the places where the family bought the food have been detained for investigation. Turkish authorities have taken samples and are conducting tests to determine whether the shellfish or other food consumed caused the death.
An involved restaurant was sealed by the authorities in the Beşiktaş district for the protection of public health.
