Additional Arrests Made After Deaths of German Mother and Children in Istanbul

Authorities in Istanbul have detained several more individuals in connection with the recent deaths of a mother and her two young children from Hamburg, Germany, who were visiting the Turkish city as tourists. The latest arrests involve two hotel staff members and a pest control operator who had previously worked at the family's hotel. According to national media reports, a total of eleven suspects are currently in custody, including individuals who sold food and sweets in the vicinity.

The tragic incident occurred last week while the family was on holiday in Istanbul. The mother and her children, aged six and three, were pronounced dead after being hospitalized with symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The father remains under medical supervision in a local hospital. Initial investigations have pointed towards potential food poisoning, possibly linked to street food consumed during their stay, although no definitive evidence has been released at this stage.

Authorities are awaiting the results of toxicological analyses of both food samples and medical examinations, which are expected to clarify the exact cause of death. Investigators collected samples from several establishments visited by the family, as well as from their hotel. The hotel drew particular attention after reports emerged that two other guests had experienced similar symptoms and required medical treatment. Further inspection revealed that one of the rooms had recently undergone chemical disinfection. In response, the hotel was evacuated and sealed off while authorities continued their investigation.

The family's trip to Istanbul began a week prior to the incident. After first exhibiting symptoms, they sought treatment at a hospital and were briefly discharged, only to return later as their condition deteriorated. Both children died shortly after readmission, followed by their mother two days later. The victims were laid to rest in the western Turkish province of Afyonkarahisar. The family held German citizenship and had Turkish roots.

Food safety in Turkey is subject to regulatory oversight, with regular inspections of restaurants and street vendors. However, experts note that the frequency of these checks may be insufficient, particularly in tourist-heavy districts. News of the deaths has unsettled many visitors to Istanbul, with some tourists in the city's historic center expressing increased caution regarding their food choices in light of recent events.

Local authorities continue to prioritize the investigation, focusing on potential lapses in food hygiene and the possible role of chemicals used in the hotel. Results from ongoing forensic and toxicological examinations are anticipated to shed further light on the circumstances that led to this fatal incident.