Italian ambulance driver investigated over suspected deaths of five elderly patients

Authorities in Italy have launched a criminal investigation into a 27-year-old ambulance driver suspected of killing five elderly patients during non-emergency medical transports.

According to the prosecutor’s office in Forlì, the deaths occurred between February and November 2025 while the patients were being transported between hospitals, nursing homes and private residences. 

Officials said the victims, all elderly individuals previously treated for serious illnesses, reportedly suffered cardiac arrests during or shortly after the ambulance rides.

The most recent case involved an 85-year-old woman who was being transferred from a cardiac hospital to a rehabilitation center. 

She suffered cardiac arrest during the journey and was pronounced dead inside the ambulance.

An autopsy conducted following the woman’s death prompted authorities to escalate the matter from a police inquiry to a formal criminal investigation led by prosecutors. Officials have not disclosed the specific findings of the examination.

Investigators believe the deaths may have occurred through “poisonous substances or other insidious means,” according to statements from the prosecutor’s office cited by multiple news outlets.

Police also said the deaths occurred either during transportation or shortly afterward, when the suspect was reportedly alone with the patients in the back of the ambulance.

The ambulance driver, who has not been publicly identified, has not been arrested but has been suspended from his role with the Italian Red Cross. 

The organization confirmed it learned of the allegations with “shock” and said it hopes the investigation will clarify what happened.

Authorities said the driver was part of a two-person ambulance team that alternated between driving and providing patient care.

The man’s defense attorney, Gloria Parigi, said her client strongly denies the allegations and is cooperating with investigators.

“He is shocked by what is emerging,” Parigi said in comments reported by local media. “He proclaims his innocence in a matter that has turned his life upside down.”

According to his lawyer, the driver has worked for the ambulance service since 2023 and has requested a hearing with prosecutors.

The Forlì prosecutor’s office said the suspect could face potential charges of voluntary multiple homicide as early as this week as the investigation continues.