Italian prosecutors are investigating a 25-year-old driver for the Italian Red Cross who is suspected of killing five elderly women during ambulance transports between nursing homes and hospitals.
According to Italian media reports, authorities believe the driver may have caused the deaths by injecting air with syringes, triggering fatal air embolisms. The suspected killings occurred between February and November 2025.
Investigators say the victims were not in critical condition at the time of their transport. They had been traveling from nursing homes to hospitals, or back again, to undergo routine medical examinations.
The investigation began after complaints from relatives of the victims and concerns raised by some of the suspect’s colleagues. Prosecutors reportedly installed hidden cameras inside the ambulance where the driver worked and seized sharp objects as part of the inquiry.
Authorities are also examining three additional cases involving suspicious deaths of elderly women.
The Italian Red Cross said the driver has been temporarily suspended from his duties while the investigation continues.
The suspect denies all accusations. Speaking to reporters, he said he had submitted evidence to prosecutors that he believes proves his innocence.
“Two of the five deaths occurred up to ten days after the ambulance transport,” the driver said.
