Psychiatric hospital patient beats five others to death with a drip stand and wounds several others in rampage at Romanian facility
- The 38-year-old attacked his fellow patients in the town of Sapoca on Sunday
- Three died at the scene, another later that day and an 88-year-old woman today
- Authorities are now probing whether hospital staff will face criminal charges
A patient at a psychiatric hospital beat five others to death with a drip stand and injured several others in a rampage in Romania.
The 38-year-old attacked his fellow patients at a facility near the town of Sapoca on Sunday, killing three of them at the scene.
Another person died in a hospital later on Sunday and the fifth victim, an 88-year-old woman, died on Monday.
Authorities are now probing whether hospital staff will face criminal charges over the massacre.
Hospital manager Viorica Mihalascu, who resigned after the incident, said ‘everything happened in less than a minute.’
A patient at a psychiatric hospital (which is pictured) beat five others to death with a drip stand and injured several others in a rampage in Romania
Mihalascu added that ‘his symptoms did not indicate the tragedy was about to happen.’
According to broadcaster ProTV, the suspected attacker tried to run away after the rampage but was stopped by a police officer.
The attack took place in two rooms of the hospital where patients were sedated or lying in bed, according to reports.
The unemployed suspect had apparently been admitted to the hospital on Thursday and it was unclear whether he had been given the correct medication.
He had initially been in a surveillance room but was reportedly moved to a different room when another patient arrived.
The motive for the alleged attack remained unclear today.
The Health Ministry said today that employees at the hospital are facing criminal charges on suspicion of negligence in the workplace.
Romanian health minister Sorina Pintea said she was travelling to the hospital in person after the Prime Minister was informed of the rampage.
According to Mediafax she said the blunt stand should never have been left in a room with psychiatric patients.
‘It is a tragic case that requires rigour in analysis and urgent measures,’ she said in a Facebook post.
‘We have always said that the safety and health of patients is the whole medical system.
‘We are with the grieving families and we convey all our compassion, as well as ensuring that all those who prove guilty will pay.’