Feb 10 • 11:20 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Investigating the Death of a Cyclist as Involuntary Homicide at the Boundary Between the Provinces of Murcia and Alicante

Authorities are investigating the death of a cyclist in an accident near the boundary of Murcia and Alicante as a case of involuntary homicide due to complications in emergency response.

The death of Antonio Morales, a 73-year-old retired firefighter and avid cyclist, has sparked an investigation into potential charges of involuntary homicide. The incident occurred on September 10 when Morales suffered an accident at the boundary of Murcia and Alicante. A critical factor in the case is the delayed response from emergency services; the call for help was routed to the Valencian Community's services, even though a Murcia emergency center was less than three kilometers away. This delay may have contributed to Morales's death, raising questions about the competency disputes between the two regions.

Following the incident, Morales's family has initiated legal proceedings to ascertain whether his life could have been saved if proper emergency protocols had been followed. According to his son, Antonio Morales Ayala, the focus of the 112 emergency services was misplaced, concerned more about the location of the accident than the urgent needs of his father. This statement highlights the potential systemic issues within the emergency response framework that could have dire consequences for those in need of immediate medical attention.

The case has broader implications regarding the coordination between emergency services in different jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for clear protocols and responsibilities in such situations. This investigation not only seeks to address the specifics of Morales's tragic death but also aims to enhance emergency response efficiency to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome may also influence how boundaries in emergency response protocols are managed across Spain, impacting the safety and timely care for cyclists and other vulnerable road users in particular.

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