A 49-year-old man was seriously injured during the Easter night service after a church bell detached and struck him in the head at the “Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel” Church in the Izvoare district of Bacău.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight, during the Easter Resurrection service, when the bells were being rung. According to preliminary information, the bell became detached and fell onto the man who was operating it.
Authorities said the victim had been helping on a voluntary basis and was not an employee of the church.
Critical injuries
The man was rushed to the Bacău County Emergency Hospital, where doctors confirmed he was in critical condition. He was admitted to the adult emergency department at 00:53, suffering a severe blow to the head.
Medical examinations revealed severe traumatic brain injury, cervical spine trauma and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Due to the seriousness of his condition, the patient was intubated, stabilized and later transferred to the neurosurgery department.
Hospital representatives said the man subsequently underwent surgery, which was reported to have proceeded successfully.
He is currently being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where doctors say his condition has improved compared to the time of admission, although his prognosis remains guarded. Additional imaging examinations will be carried out once his condition allows.
Police investigation opened
Police have opened a criminal investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
“Officers have opened a criminal case for negligent bodily injury and failure to comply with workplace safety regulations, and all circumstances surrounding the incident will be established,” said Chief Inspector Cătălina Crețu, spokesperson for the Bacău County Police Inspectorate.
