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Thomas Cook chief flies to Egypt after death of British couple at hotel

UpdateThomas Cook had ‘constructive discussions’ with Egyptian PM over couple’s deaths

The boss of Thomas Cook has flown out to Egypt to meet the country’s prime minister following the deaths of British couple John and Susan Cooper.

The couple died while on holiday in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada last week. The details surrounding their deaths remain unclear.

In a statement the company said: “Thomas Cook chief executive Peter Fankhauser has flown to Egypt today to meet with the Egyptian prime minister, His Excellency Dr Mostafa Madbouly.

“They will discuss the recent tragic deaths of Mr and Mrs Cooper in Hurghada and the ongoing investigation by the Egyptian authorities.”

Industry professionals this week admitted they were baffled by the tragedy.

Susan, 63, who worked at Cook’s Burnley branch, and husband John, 69, died last Tuesday (August 21) while on a Cook holiday at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel.

Cook chief executive Peter Fankhauser has pledged to “get to the bottom” of the deaths following reports of an unusual smell in the couple’s room and speculation of legionnaire’s disease or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Cook said there was “no evidence” of carbon monoxide poisoning but described the circumstances around the deaths as “unclear”.

Test results on food, water and air conditioning are due to be released by the end of next week.

UpdateThomas Cook had ‘constructive discussions’ with Egyptian PM over couple’s deaths

MoreEgypt hotel deaths ‘baffle’ experts

Thomas Cook boss pledges to ‘get to the bottom’ of hotel deaths

Colleagues pay tribute to agent who died in Egypt

 

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