Patient set on fire at Sydney hospital, man charged with attempted murder
A 48-year-old patient at The Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney's eastern suburbs has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after allegedly setting fire to a 54-year-old man and dousing two others in accelerant. The incident has left three patients with minor injuries and has raised concerns about safety in public hospitals.
A shocking incident unfolded at a hospital in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Tuesday night, leaving three patients with minor injuries. A 48-year-old patient has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after allegedly pouring accelerant on three patients and setting one of them on fire.
Emergency services were called to The Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick about 10:45pm, following reports of a concern for welfare. Eastern Beaches Police Area Command officers were told that the 48-year-old patient had doused two men, aged 54 and 63, and a woman, 64, in accelerant.
The 48-year-old allegedly set fire to the 54-year-old man before hospital staff extinguished the flames. The 54-year-old sustained minor burns and was kept for observation as a precaution, and remains in a stable condition.
The 63-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were treated for minor injuries and also remain in a stable condition. The 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder, common assault, and two counts of attempt to cause grievous bodily harm to a person with intent.
A South Eastern Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said in a statement, "staff responded quickly to a safety incident involving patients" the night prior. "To ensure the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, hospital staff also immediately notified NSW Police, who responded to the incident."
The spokesperson added, "South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is offering support and care to the people impacted by this distressing incident. We are also assisting NSW Police with their enquiries."
The spokesperson said there was no ongoing risk to patients and staff. Shadow Minister for Health, Sarah Mitchell, said she was "deeply disturbed" by the reports. "This is beyond unacceptable in NSW," Ms Mitchell said in a statement. "Safety must be a non-negotiable in our public hospitals."
The man is scheduled to face Bail Division Court on Thursday.