A health worker who was in an ambulance which hit and killed a man last May described his shock when he felt the “bang” while assisting an elderly person inside the cabin of the vehicle.
Eric Saliba, an Emergency Ambulance Responder, was testifying in court in the case against Eros Galea, 36, who is accused of causing the death of Joseph Grech, 48, and of causing grievous injuries to another person. Galea, from Zejtun, is pleading not guilty.
Grech, a nursing aide, and Maria Miron, 54, from Romania, were walking outside Mater Dei Hospital when they were hit by the ambulance. Grech died on site while Miron sustained grievous injuries.
Saliba told a court that he was in the ambulance Galea had been driving, with an elderly patient.
“I heard a bang and thought it was a normal collision. From the back compartment of the ambulance, where I was, I could not see anything. The windows are tinted for privacy, and from the other window I could only see the clouds,” Saliba said. The ambulance was close to the hospital at the time of the collision.
“I opened the ambulance side door and saw a man lying on the ground. Others from the Emergency Department had already arrived at the scene because they too had heard a bang. I went to assist the woman, who was also on the ground,” Saliba said.
“I was shocked. I didn’t expect that. I thought it was a normal collision,” Saliba said.
Emergency doctor Winston Bartolo also took the stand, saying he had seen Miron both at the scene of the incident and later at the Emergency Department as he was the doctor to treat her injuries.
Her injuries had been determined as grievous, the doctor said, adding that the woman suffered fractures to her collarbone, right ribs and had a laceration in her left lung. The woman was placed in intensive care for some time.
The case continues on 6 May.
Magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil presided over the court.
Lawyer Darlene Grima prosecuted on behalf of the AG’s Office, assisted by inspector Darryl Farr.
Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Dean Hilli assisted Galea.