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Saudi Tourist's Death in Istanbul Under Investigation; Food Poisoning Suspected
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Health & Science

Saudi Tourist's Death in Istanbul Under Investigation; Food Poisoning Suspected

From Okaz · (Apr 16) Arabic

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Saudi authorities are investigating the death of an 82-year-old Saudi tourist in Istanbul, who allegedly died from food poisoning after eating at his hotel.
  • The deceased experienced severe illness, including persistent vomiting, a day after consuming a meal, leading to his death three days after arriving in Turkey.
  • Turkish authorities have collected food samples from the hotel restaurant and released the manager, chef, and an official under judicial supervision pending the investigation's outcome.

Our hearts go out to the family of the late Saeed Al-Mohamadi, an 82-year-old Saudi citizen whose life was tragically cut short in Istanbul. The Saudi Embassy in Ankara is working closely with Turkish authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, which preliminary findings suggest may be linked to food poisoning.

The Saudi embassy in Ankara confirmed to "Okaz" that it is intensifying its follow-up on the investigation into the death of citizen Said Al-Mohamadi (82 years old) and facilitating all procedures for his family following his passing due to a case of poisoning after consuming a meal inside the hotel where he was staying in the Şişli area of Istanbul, which he arrived at on a tourist trip with his wife.

— Saudi Embassy in AnkaraThe embassy confirmed its active involvement in monitoring the investigation and supporting the victim's family.

Al-Mohamadi, who arrived in Istanbul with his wife for a tourist trip, fell ill shortly after consuming a meal at his hotel in the bustling Şişli district. Reports indicate he suffered from severe vomiting and fatigue, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent deterioration, ultimately passing away just three days after his arrival.

Turkish investigators have been diligent, collecting samples from the hotel's restaurant for analysis and examining CCTV footage. While the hotel's sanitation prior to the incident has reportedly been verified, the focus remains on the meal consumed by the deceased. The period between his meal and the onset of symptoms, estimated at 20-23 hours, is a key factor in the ongoing investigation.

Initial testimonies obtained by "Okaz" revealed that citizen Said Al-Mohamadi died three days after his arrival, as he showed signs of illness and fatigue and continued to vomit persistently after one day of consuming the meal.

— Okaz sourcesSources provided details about the victim's health decline following the meal.

We understand that the hotel manager, chef, and an official have been released under judicial supervision as the investigation proceeds. The Saudi Embassy is committed to facilitating all necessary procedures for the family during this difficult time and ensuring they receive the support they need. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance regarding food safety, even in popular tourist destinations.

The investigations suggest suspicion of food poisoning from a chicken meal consumed by the deceased one day before his death.

— Okaz sourcesPreliminary findings point towards food poisoning as a likely cause.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Okaz in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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