Istanbul, Turkey – Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the deaths of two Dutch brothers, aged 15 and 17, who were found dead in their Istanbul hotel room last week, according to reports from Turkish media.
The brothers were on vacation with their father when they became ill after visiting two eateries in the Taksim district of Istanbul on August 21. They subsequently felt unwell and remained in their hotel room. Hotel staff discovered the boys deceased on August 22 when they went to check on the room as the family had not checked out.
The arrested individuals are reportedly the owners and two employees of the two Istanbul catering establishments where the brothers consumed food and beverages. Authorities are investigating whether the food or drinks consumed at these establishments contributed to their deaths.
The boys’ father was hospitalized in critical condition but has since been discharged from the hospital.It remains unclear if he also ate or drank at the same establishments. He reportedly stated he did not enjoy the food, but the cause of his illness is currently unknown and may be related to shock following the loss of his sons.
Following interrogation, three of the detainees were released conditionally, while the fourth has been placed under house arrest. The specific roles of those arrested have not yet been disclosed as the police investigation remains ongoing.
Samples of food and beverages from both establishments have been sent to a forensic institute in Turkey for analysis, according to reports. The investigation aims to determine the cause of death and whether any substances consumed contributed to the tragedy.