Naples, cyclist hit and killed by ambulance: driver on trial

Naples – The preliminary hearing for the 31-year-old ambulance driver who, on March 8, 2025, struck cyclist Luigi Martusciello on Via Nuova Marina, has been adjourned to May 29. Martusciello died five days later at Ospedale del Mare from the serious injuries sustained in the crash.

The man was driving in the reserved lane toward Via De Gasperi when, at the Pisacane crossing, he was hit by the emergency vehicle. Rushed to the emergency room, he was admitted with a guarded prognosis, but his condition immediately appeared desperate. He died on March 13.

The prosecutor's accusations

The Naples Public Prosecutor's Office, led by Deputy Prosecutor Mario Canale, is charging the driver with vehicular homicide. The indictment also includes several traffic violations, including: dangerous overtaking, excessive speed (72 km/h), and exceeding the speed limit of 30 km/h in the restricted lane by more than double.

According to the prosecution's hypothesis, it was precisely the driving conduct that led to the fatal collision of the cyclist.

The role of the family and the responsible civil servant

The victim's wife and three daughters appeared in the proceedings through their lawyer, Sergio Pisani. The lawyer also filed a summons for the person responsible for the damages with the preliminary hearing judge. The request was granted by the judge, which will allow for the assessment of any liability for damages during the proceedings.

The findings of the Local Police

Immediately after the accident, officers from the Road Accident Unit of the Naples Local Police intervened on the scene and seized both the ambulance and the victim's pedal-assisted bicycle.

Investigators also began tests on the driver, aimed at verifying any psychophysical alteration at the time of impact.

After the 46-year-old's death, the judicial authorities ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Martusciello's family, meanwhile, authorized organ donation, transforming the tragedy of loss into an act of solidarity.