Ambulance attacked in Cluj due to a false rumour on TikTok. The Health Ministry's response

An ambulance crew from the Cluj County Ambulance Service, called to attend to a patient in the commune of Recea-Cristur, was attacked with clubs, axes, and stones. The attack was triggered by a false rumour spread on TikTok, claiming that it was "an ambulance that steals children".

The ambulance driver was injured in the eye by shards of glass from a window smashed during the attack and underwent surgery.

The Ministry of Health issued a statement on Sunday strongly condemning the incident: "The Ministry of Health firmly condemns the outrageous attack on the crew of the Cluj County Ambulance Service, incited by absurd disinformation spread on social media platforms. While responding to help a patient in the commune of Recea-Cristur, the doctors and the ambulance driver were attacked with clubs, axes, and stones. The driver has been seriously injured. We stand by him and by the representatives of the County Ambulance Service and are monitoring the situation."

Interim Health Minister Cseke Attila stated: "I have taken note with great concern of the incident in Cluj. The healthcare system needs calm and trust in order to function — not acts of aggression fuelled by irresponsible speculation. We call on the relevant authorities to respond with the utmost firmness."

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to verify any information through official sources, with the following message: "Before sharing clips or messages found online, make sure they come from reliable and accredited sources. Disinformation creates unwarranted panic and, in the medical field, can have serious consequences and can genuinely endanger the lives of both patients and healthcare workers."