PATIENT STARTS FIRE IN ATHALASSA HOSPITAL ROOM AND IS ADMITTED TO INTENSIVE CARE

In Atalassa Hospital in Cyprus, a 47-year-old patient set fire to his room by igniting the mattress underneath him. The victim suffered third-degree burns and is in critical condition.

The report of the fire at Atalassa Hospital was received by the fire department yesterday around 17:00. Two fire crews were dispatched to the scene, where they began evacuating the building, containing, and extinguishing the fire.

According to "Alpha News," after receiving his meal, the 47-year-old man locked himself in the postoperative room and set fire to the mattress, placing it in front of the door.

Three nurses, sensing the smell of smoke, entered the room through the balcony door, where they discovered the arsonist and another 66-year-old individual.

Both victims were taken to the general hospital in Nicosia. The 47-year-old man suffered burns on over 50% of his body. He was immediately intubated and transferred to the burn unit in critical condition. The second man was diagnosed with breathing problems, and all three nurses turned to the Emergency Medical Services to provide them with first aid.

In a statement to journalists, OKYPY spokesperson Pambos Charilaou stated that the remaining twenty-five patients are in good health and will be accommodated in the Covid-19 ward, continuing their treatment in a normal regime.

Authorities have characterized the incident as "very serious." The circumstances of the fire are under investigation by the authorities.