Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Forgetful doctor left body for 9 days in Vienna flat

The body of a 76-year-old woman found dead in her Vienna flat was left there for nine days because a doctor who registered the death forgot to notify a removal service.

The oversight was noticed when neighbours of the deceased woman, who lived alone, complained of a worsening stench, said Andreas Flaschner, spokesman for the Austrian capital's disinfection department.

"It was a mistake. The doctor thought paramedics had removed the body while the paramedics thought the doctor had arranged for it. I've worked here 20 years and never seen anything like it," said Flaschner.

The body was taken for burial on October 8.

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