Samu's ambulance is invaded and stolen in Manaus
The Samu river ambulance (Urgent Mobile Assistance Service), known as "Ambulancha", was invaded and stolen by hooded men on Tuesday night (9), in the port of São Raimundo, in the west of Manaus.
According to the city council, the vessel was anchored in the port, where the medical service's River Base operates, when it was targeted by six men, who took the boat and the health equipment present inside.
The suspects drove the ambulance to the middle of the river and, according to the rescuers who were at the scene, they split between a second vessel already positioned waiting for them. After the division, each went in opposite directions.
Semsa (Municipal Health Department) registered an incident report. This Wednesday (10), the police authorities, with support from the GMM (Manaus Municipal Guard), began investigating the case.
In a statement, the City Hall stated that it "strongly condemns any illicit conduct and highlights that, in this case, the crime affects people in critical health situations, at risk of death, who depend on the help of Samu to receive medical care."
See also: Seven people remain missing after boat sinking in Manaus
CNN Brasil contacted security authorities for more information about the incident and is awaiting feedback. The space remains open.
Ambulancha
According to the City of Manaus, the Ambulancha service, in force for 20 years, serves more than 40 communities located on the Negro and Amazon rivers - which only have access by river -, as well as other regions where travel by river is the quickest solution for medical care.
The theft occurred this Tuesday (9), at the Port of São Raimundo, in the West zone - Disclosure/City Hall of Manaus
The main services are for pregnant women in childbirth situations, injuries caused by wild animals and victims of falls.
The average vessel travel time is around an hour and a half for short distances, and up to six hours traveling and returning to base.
*Under the supervision of Carolina Figueiredo
Source: CNN