Updated 3.05 pm with more details

A paramedic who ran over a nursing aide while driving an ambulance on Mater Dei Hospital grounds has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.

Eros Galea, 36 and from Żejtun, stands accused of having caused the death of 48-year-old Joseph Grech and grievously injured another person in the May 2024 incident.

The two pedestrians were walking close to Mater Dei Hospital’s emergency department when they were hit by the ambulance. Galea died as a result while the other person, a woman, suffered grievous injuries.

Galea appeared in court under summons on Tuesday to face criminal charges in connection with the incident. Aside from manslaughter, he stands accused of having grievously injured the other person and reckless driving. 

Two police officers who testified recalled receiving a report at around 5.15 pm that day about two people hit by a vehicle on Mater Dei Hospital grounds. There were clear signs of damage to the ambulance’s windscreen and blood on the floor, sergeant Aldo Zammit testified.

Galea was breathalysed and no traces of alcohol were found in his system, he said. There was a passenger accompanying Galea in the ambulance at the time, he added.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Darrly Farr and Attorney General lawyer Darlene Grima led the prosecution. Veronique Dalli and Dean Hili were counsel for the defence. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri represented the victim’s family while lawyers  David Bonello and Joseph Borda represented the other injured person.