Investigators in Primorsky Krai have opened a probe after posts on social media claimed a paid parking lot at a Vladivostok shopping center blocked an on-call ambulance. The statement came from the press service of the Investigative Committee of Primorsky Krai.
According to authorities, on September 10 information circulated online alleging that an ambulance on Dalzavodskaya Street could not reach a sick person at the shopping center because a security guard refused to lift a barrier and demanded payment for access.
As a result of this report, investigators initiated a pre-investigation check to determine whether there were signs of a crime under the article concerning the provision of services that do not meet security requirements.
The district prosecutor’s office described the incident as horrific and noted its own involvement in supervising the situation to ensure proper handling.
The prosecutor’s office stated that the ministry would conduct a thorough assessment of compliance with legal requirements for allowing private transport to provide ambulance services, emphasizing accountability and safety in emergency access.
Additional details indicate another alarming incident where an individual reportedly intoxicated took an ambulance to drive around the village, underscoring potential misuse of emergency services. Authorities are pursuing all relevant leads to determine the circumstances and prevent a recurrence.
In the wake of the reports, officials stressed the importance of clear, enforceable policies for emergency vehicle access to private property and parking facilities. They reiterated that any obstruction or improper fees could breach security standards and legal requirements, triggering formal investigations and potential sanctions for responsible parties.
Public safety officials urged institutions with private vehicle access to review procedures, ensuring ambulances and other critical responders can reach patients without delay. The case has drawn attention to how security measures intersect with urgent medical needs and the responsibility of facility operators to balance security with accessibility.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will assess evidence, interview witnesses, and review surveillance footage where available. They aim to establish the sequence of events, identify infringing practices, and determine whether corrective measures were applied in a timely manner. The outcome will inform potential changes to local regulations governing access for emergency vehicles to private property and commercial parking areas.
Experts in emergency management note that swift access for ambulances is essential to saving lives. They emphasize that barriers and payment demands should not impede medical responders, and any deviation from established rules warrants prompt action by investigators and prosecutors.
The case highlights a broader discussion about balancing security with rapid emergency service delivery. Authorities encourage continuous training for security personnel and ongoing audits of access procedures to reinforce safety standards while preserving the ability of ambulances to perform critical duties without unnecessary impediments.