Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Dousing Patients in Accelerant at Sydney Hospital

Emergency services responded to The Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick around 10:45 pm after reports that a patient had poured accelerant on three other patients. According to police, the 48-year-old suspect soaked a 54-year-old man, a 63-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman with the flammable substance and then set fire to the 54-year-old, who incurred minor burns and was kept for observation. The two older men and the woman were treated for minor injuries and remain stable.

Hospital staff quickly extinguished the flames and alerted NSW Police, leading to the suspect’s arrest. He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, common assault and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District said the incident was distressing but there is no continuing threat, and it is providing support to those affected.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Bail Division Court on Thursday. Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Mitchell called the attack “beyond unacceptable” and urged stricter safety in public hospitals.