N環球 
Sydney Prince of Wales Hospital petrol attack: patient charged with two counts of attempted murder
A 48-year-old patient at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital allegedly doused three fellow spinal-ward patients with accelerant and set one alight on Oct 13; he now faces two counts of attempted murder. NSW health minister has ordered an urgent review.
Why it matters
A 48-year-old patient at the Prince of Wales Hospital's spinal ward in Randwick, in Sydney's east, allegedly doused three fellow patients with accelerant and set one of them alight on the night of Oct 13. He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and related offences, and the NSW health minister has ordered an urgent review, raising wider concerns about safety in public hospitals.
Full report
The incident occurred at about 10:45pm on Tuesday, Oct 13. Police allege the man smuggled petrol into the ward concealed in a drink bottle, poured accelerant over two male patients aged 54 and 63 and a 64-year-old woman, then set the 54-year-old man on fire. Hospital staff quickly extinguished the flames and called police.
The 54-year-old man suffered minor burns and remains in a stable condition; the other two patients sustained minor injuries and are also stable. Police arrested the suspect at the scene and charged him with two counts of attempted murder, common assault and two counts of attempt to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He is due to face a bail hearing via audiovisual link on Thursday and is expected to undergo mental health assessments.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park described the alleged behaviour as "shocking, appalling" and launched an urgent review into how the attack occurred. The hospital said there is no ongoing risk to patients and staff, that it is supporting those affected and assisting police. Opposition health spokeswoman Sarah Mitchell said safety in public hospitals must be non-negotiable.
💬 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!