Published on Friday, April 1, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Despite the organization's Safe Holy Week campaign, Red Cross paramedics reported 55 deaths during the one-week break.

The fatalities exceeded the 45 cases recorded last year, according to the Emergency Operations Center report.

This year's seven-day Catholic celebration was held from March 24 to 31.

Among the leading causes of death were firearm assaults, car crashes, poisoning and water accidents.

In addition, the paramedics responded to more than 7,000 emergencies, such as more than 200 car crashes,  over 100 people breaking bones in accidents, more than 20 people injured with weapons, over 20 people intoxicated, more than 60 water accidents, more than 200 people were run over,  and over 7 people were burned among others.

The Easter operation included more than 400 paramedics and volunteers, 130 emergency and rescue units, 120 roadside posts, and 150 lifeguard posts on beaches and throughout the country.

One of the emergencies involving a U.S. citizen occurred on Palm Sunday when a man named Breckimride (78) died in an automobile accident in San Isidro El General Canton, San José Province.

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