Egypt vows to ‘leave no stone unturned’ in Hurghada deaths investigation

Egypt’s prime minister and the country’s head of tourism have promised ‘total transparency’ and a thorough investigation into last week’s deaths of John and Susan Cooper in Hurghada.

PM Mostafa Madbouly and minister of tourism Dr Rania Al-Mashat met with Thomas Cook CEO Peter Fankhauser on Wednesday evening following the deaths at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel.

Dr Al-Mashat issued a statement afterwards, saying: "The Prime Minister and I gave Mr Fankhauser our absolute assurances that the Egyptian authorities will leave no stone unturned in determining the actual cause of death.

"Similarly, the same reassurances have been given to Mr and Mrs Cooper’s daughter Kelly Ormerod, and the British Ambassador in Egypt, John Casson."

The statement continued: "Detailed autopsies on the two bodies are currently being conducted by a team of forensic pathologists. It would be inappropriate to attach a specific date to this but I anticipate this will be concluded during next week.

"When the pathologists have completed their detailed forensic analysis our priority will be, of course, to then contact the Cooper family in England to explain the findings as they, more than anyone, need to know what took away John and Susan.

"Their bodies will then be repatriated next week with the Cooper family in England."

"Separately, a working group led by Nabil Sadeq, Egypt’s Attorney General and highest-ranking legal figure in our country, is examining in forensic detail all hygiene aspects of the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel in Hurghada."

"This investigation will be robust, thorough and independent. The working group will test food, water and air conditioning and again, the results will be made public."

The statement concluded: "It is crucial for everyone involved in the tragic passing away of John and Susan, none more so than the grieving Cooper family, that we get to the bottom of the matter and determine the truth based on evidence."

In a separate statement, Thomas Cook said its CEO had a ‘constructive discussion’ with the ministers, and also met with British Ambassador to Egypt, John Casson, and Deputy Head of Mission, Helen Winterton.

Thomas Cook added: "We will continue to speak to the Egyptian authorities and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure that we work together and prioritise the very best interests of the Cooper family. The wellbeing of our customers in Egypt remains of paramount importance."

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