Patient Accused of Setting Another on Fire at Sydney Hospital
A 54-year-old man is in intensive care with severe burns after a fellow patient allegedly doused him and two others with petrol before igniting him.
A patient at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital is accused of pouring petrol on three other patients before setting one of them on fire, leaving him with serious burns.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night in the hospital's spinal injury ward. Police were called to the hospital around 10:45 p.m. following reports concerning a patient's welfare.
According to police, a 48-year-old male patient allegedly used a drink bottle to douse two men, aged 54 and 63, and a 64-year-old woman with petrol. His cigarette lighter reportedly failed to ignite until it reached the 54-year-old patient, identified as Randovan Banic.
Mr. Banic suffered severe burns to his face and upper body and is currently in intensive care. "He's (allegedly) come towards me, and then all of a sudden … he douses me with petrol," Banic told Nine News from his hospital bed. "I could just smell petrol all over my hair, my eyebrows, smoke in my eyes, just everything. I've just been pumping water into my eyes."
The other two patients involved were treated for minor injuries and are reported to be in stable condition.
The 48-year-old accused patient was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, common assault, and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to person (attempted). He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
The alleged attack has drawn strong reactions from political figures in New South Wales. Health Minister Ryan Park stated that violence in hospitals is unacceptable and has requested a review of the incident by the Health department. Opposition health spokesperson Sarah Mitchell expressed shock and horror, emphasizing that safety in public hospitals must be a non-negotiable priority.
A spokesperson for the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District assured that there is no ongoing risk to patients and staff, and that support services are being provided to those affected.
