Lawyers Issue Proceedings Against Jet2Holidays After Tourists Including Several Children Develop Gastric Symptoms

One hundred UK holidaymakers struck down with serious illnesses linked to a Turkish resort have launched High Court legal action for damages.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has served proceedings against Jet2Holidays Limited after scores of British tourists suffered gastric illness during or after staying at the five-star Mukarnas Resort and Spa Hotel in Antalya.

Those affected include a four-year-old girl diagnosed with salmonella.  The group fell ill at various points between May and September 2022 with one child also suffering a fracture to her finger.

Legal action follows period of investigation

The legal action follows a long period of investigation by the legal experts and legal submissions, and which Jet2Holidays Limited have refused to resolve.    

Jatinder Paul is the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the tourists.

Expert Opinion

“It’s very concerning to hear how many people, including young children, fell seriously ill at this resort, especially in just a few months.

“Following investigations and refusal from Jet2Holidays to resolve these cases amicably, we’ve now issued High Court proceedings and are determined to ensure the 100 people impacted are given the answers they deserve regarding how they came to contract serious illnesses.

“Gastric illness can be very serious and should never been downplayed. It can lead to life-changing health issues and even death.

“Nearly three years on, a number of our clients continue to be affected by debilitating complications linked to their illness.

“Nothing can make up for how their holidays were ruined but we call on Jet2Holidays to work with us to resolve these cases as quickly as possible so our clients can start to put their ordeals behind them.” Jatinder Paul

The legal documents filed at the High Court argue, amongst other complaints, that Jet2Holidays were negligent in that they were aware of the outbreak of illness at the resort and continued to send holidaymakers to the hotel. Additionally, there was a failure to comply with health and safety regulations putting several guests at risk.

Jet2Holidays has, however, denied liability prior to issuing proceedings on all 100 cases.

Wakefield youngster diagnosed with salmonella

John Asquith, from Wakefield, holidayed at the Mukarnas Resort between 30 August and 9 September 2022.  The 32-year-old was there with his wife and children Deacon, 10, nine-year-old twins Isabella and Kendal, and four-year-old Renesmae.  His mother-in-law and father-in-law also joined them.  The family paid over £5,000.00 for their 10-night luxury stay.

On 7 September, John, Deacon and Renesmae fell ill with diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.  Over the next two days, Isbella and Kendal were also struck down with symptoms.

On the family’s return home to the UK, Deacon attended his GP and Renesmae was taken to hospital and diagnosed with salmonella, a serious bacterial infection.

Deacon, Isabella and Kendal remained unwell until October, later that year. John’s symptoms continued until January 2023, and Renesmae was still suffering almost one year later.

John, a builder, said: “We’d been looking forward to our holiday for a long time, but around a week in most of us were floored with illness.  It was horrible, especially having to see our children so unwell.

“Going to a five-star resort, you wouldn’t think you’d have to worry about hygiene issues, but the restaurant area left a lot to be desired. It was like a stampede at dinner times, with people picking food up and putting it back.

“There were often flies landing on the food, and cats roaming around the snack bar area.  Even bugs were crawling around the kettle and fridge in our room, which was disgusting.

“At one point we saw a child run into the corner near the pool and poo on the floor, then the pool was closed on the last day of the holiday so we fear that might have been connected.

“I know we can’t change what happened, but we need answers”

Derby nurse and son fall ill at Mukarnas Resort

Marie Brereton, 55, holidayed at the Mukarnas Resort between 29 May and 5 June 2022 with her husband and son Ben, now 18.  The trip cost over £2,000.00 for 7 nights.

Three days into the holiday, Marie, a nurse, and Ben both began suffering from gastric symptoms.  The pair were advised to travel to a medical centre in Turkey which was more than 40 minutes away.

Ben remained unwell for more than three months and was forced to sit one of his GCSE exams with access to his own toilet.

Marie’s illness lasted for two months and she ended up seeing a GP.

Marie said: “We managed to enjoy the first couple of days of our holiday but it didn’t last long with Ben and I falling sick really quickly.

“At first I thought it was maybe just adjusting to a change of food, but I was wrong.  The hygiene in the resort wasn’t great, with a lack of hand gel and toilets left in awful states. The cleaners didn’t wear any gloves, which I thought would have been basic procedure especially when dealing with the likes of soiled bedding.

“To this day the tour operator is continuing to drag their heels.  I don’t think it’s too much to ask of them to co-operate with us.”

Support available

Find out more about our expertise in supporting people affected by serious illness on holiday at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.