In early 2024, Turkish authorities confirmed that a 21‑year‑old German Erasmus student and a four‑member family from Hamburg died in Istanbul after pesticide poisoning, sparking media comparisons.
Student Death
German Erasmus student Marlene P., 21, was found unconscious on 3 November in her apartment and died shortly after arrival at the hospital. Forensic examination released in August determined the cause of death to be pesticide poisoning used to combat bedbugs, not food poisoning as initially suspected.
Pesticide Release Mechanics
The pesticide applied on the building’s first floor converted into a gas that spread throughout the structure. Marlene lived on the second floor, where the toxic fumes reached her living area.
Family Tragedy
The four‑member family from Hamburg was staying in a Fatih‑district hotel during their holiday. Initial investigations considered food poisoning, but a preliminary forensic report concluded that the pesticide used in the hotel for bedbug control likely caused the deaths.
Hotel Chemical Use
Officials identified that the hotel employed chemical agents to eliminate bedbugs. The chemical’s application method and concentration were scrutinized by authorities for potential safety violations.
Court Findings
Following the forensic reports, the prosecution launched a criminal investigation into the incidents. A unanimous jury in the court’s report affirmed that the deaths resulted from gas‑based pesticide poisoning.