Italian ambulance driver investigated on suspicion of murdering five patients

"All the suspicious deaths occurred while or soon after the patients were transported in an ambulance driven by the 27-year-old man, lawyers of the victims told the Guardian. Investigative sources told the ANSA state news agency they believe the man, who worked for the Italian Red Cross but has now been suspended, may have administered harmful substances to the patients during transfers between hospitals and care homes in the Emilia-Romagna region."

"It is important to stress that these are not ordinary ambulances with sirens blaring for patients rushing to hospital, said Max Starni and Massimo Mambelli, lawyers representing the family of the patient, who died in November. They added: These ambulances are generally used for routine transport for example taking patients from a care home to hospital for an appointment. That is why there are only two drivers on board, and no nurse."

"All the patients suffered cardiac arrests while being transported in the ambulance operated out of Forlimpopoli, near Forli. One died en route, the others either shortly afterwards or in the days that followed. For months, none of the relatives most of whom believed their loved ones had been gravely ill raised concerns."

Prosecutors in Forli, Italy are investigating a 27-year-old ambulance driver employed by the Italian Red Cross on suspicion of murdering five elderly patients. All suspicious deaths occurred during or shortly after ambulance transport in the Emilia-Romagna region. Investigative sources believe the driver may have administered harmful substances to patients during transfers between hospitals and care homes. All victims suffered cardiac arrests while being transported in the same ambulance from Forlimpopoli. One patient died en route while others died shortly after or within days. Authorities are examining additional cases, suggesting the victim count may increase. Suspicions arose when one victim's family requested an autopsy. The driver has been suspended and is under investigation for aggravated murder with allegations of premeditation.

Read at www.theguardian.com