Three-Year-Old Dies After Hit-and-Run, Hospital Delays Cited

A three-year-old child, Henry, tragically lost his life after being struck by a car in São Mateus, a neighborhood in São Paulo's East Zone. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, June 6th, around 5:30 PM, while Henry was with his father near a bar. According to the father, Aquiles, Henry ran into the street and was hit by a passing car, the driver of which immediately fled the scene without offering any assistance. Aquiles rushed his son to the São Mateus UPA (Emergency Care Unit), from where Henry was transferred by ambulance to the Hospital Geral de São Mateus. However, the family faced devastating news: the hospital's tomography equipment was broken, and there was no neurosurgeon available. After a five-hour wait, they were informed of a possible opening at the Hospital Santa Marcelina de Itaquera. It wasn't until 10 AM on Saturday, June 7th, that an ambulance with a doctor arrived to transfer Henry. The surgery finally took place at 7 PM, but the extensive delay (over 24 hours) proved fatal. The brain hemorrhage could not be stopped, leading to brain death. "It was a nightmare," said Aquiles, visibly distraught. "The lack of resources and the delay in treatment cost my son his life." The g1 news team has contacted the Public Security Secretariat and the Health Secretariat for comment but is still awaiting a response. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and emergency response systems in the region.