Family Arrives From Germany, Mother And Two Children Die From Acute Intoxication In Istanbul Kumpir Mussel Poisoning

Forensic Report Complete: Hyperemia Found In Children’s Stomachs, Submucosal Bleeding In Mother’s; Definitive Toxin Sought In Public Health Labs

ISTANBUL, Turkey – A tragic poisoning incident involving a family who traveled to Istanbul from Germany for a holiday has devastated the country. The mother, Çiğdem Böcek, and her children, Kadir Muhammet Böcek (6) and Masal Böcek (3), died after falling ill at a hotel in the Fatih district. The family reportedly consumed kumpir (stuffed potato) and mussels (midye) before their condition deteriorated. The preliminary autopsy report for the deceased was completed by the Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK) and added to the Istanbul Kumpir Mussel Poisoning investigation file.

📝 PRELIMINARY AUTOPSY FINDINGS: ACUTE INTOXICATION CONFIRMED

The preliminary autopsy reports confirmed that the cause of death for the family members was entirely due to an internal process, establishing critical pathological findings:

• Children’s Status: The report noted that external examinations of Kadir Muhammet Böcek and Masal Böcek showed no external traumatic lesions that would indicate death by external force. The only significant pathological finding was hyperemia (increased blood flow/dilation of vessels) in the stomach mucosa.
• Mother’s Status: The external examination of the mother, Çiğdem Böcek, also showed no external traumatic lesions. However, forensic experts observed widespread submucosal hemorrhages (bleeding under the stomach lining) and localized punctate ulcers in the stomach. The intestines showed no abnormal pathological findings other than ordinary chyme and fecal content.

🧪 COLD CHAIN SHIPMENT TO FIND THE DEFINITIVE CAUSE

While the preliminary autopsy strengthens the suspicion of acute poisoning, laboratory analysis remains vital to identifying the exact toxic substance.

• Evidence Sampling: During the process, various samples were taken from the deceased for detailed laboratory analysis. Specifically, stomach and intestinal contents were packaged under a cold chain and sent to the Public Health General Directorate laboratories for toxicology testing.
• Final Determination: Authorities stated that the definitive cause of death will be established only after the complete analysis of these samples.

🇩🇪 GERMAN CONNECTION AMPLIFIES THE TRAGEDY

The fact that the family traveled to Istanbul from Germany for a holiday significantly increased the emotional and international scope of the disaster. The Istanbul Kumpir Mussel Poisoning suspicion immediately triggered questions regarding food safety inspections in the city. The investigation has now focused on tracing the supply chain and contents of the kumpir and mussels consumed by the family.