Moldova 112 Emergency Service director resigns after tragic deaths
In the aftermath of the tragic deaths of two individuals discovered in a snow-covered car in the Căușeni district, Liviu Oboroc, the director of Moldova's 112 Emergency Service, has tendered his resignation.
The resignation came on Wednesday evening following a directive from Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Dumitru Alaiba. "The loss of the two lives is a tragedy, prompting us to scrutinise the functionality of this national service," stated Alaiba.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean had earlier called for Oboroc's resignation, expressing disappointment in the 112 Service's response to the incident. "The state must guarantee the rescue of individuals even when they overlook their own safety," emphasised Recean. "The 112 Service personnel did not see this through to its conclusion."
An investigation into the case has been launched by the General Police Inspectorate. According to Minister of Internal Affairs Adrian Efros, rescuers reached the scene 17 hours after the initial call to the 112 Service.
Efros also announced that, effective January 1, the National Service 112 will fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Meanwhile, the General Prosecutor's Office has opened a criminal case to investigate the incident. Spokesperson Violina Moraru stated that prosecutors will examine the actions of employees of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, the National Emergency Call Service 112, and other parties involved.
Promo-LEX lawyer Vadim Vieru called for comprehensive investigations by the General Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to identify both responsible individuals and the root causes of the incident, such as understaffing, inadequate equipment, and communication lapses.
112 Service Director Liviu Oboroc declined to comment on the incident but reportedly informed Pro TV that the service operated within its legal mandate and made every effort to prevent the tragedy.
The couple had initially contacted the 112 Service on Sunday at 2:58 p.m., reporting their predicament. Despite efforts by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to clear snowbound vehicles and transport stranded individuals, the couple's rescue was delayed, leading to their tragic fate.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
