A distressing incident unfolded just after 2 a.m. on Thursday at the emergency department of Cairns Hospital in Far North Queensland, when a man set himself alight in front of patients and staff. Witness Kelsey Meyers, who was waiting for treatment with her husband, described the scene as shocking and deeply traumatic. She said the man poured a large amount of hand sanitiser over himself before igniting it. A nurse quickly intervened, attempting to stop him and later helping extinguish the flames. Meyers recalled the smell of smoke and the man’s screams as overwhelming, saying it felt “like a movie.” Several people in the waiting area were moved to a separate room to escape the smoke and shield them from the unfolding scene. She added that one nurse suffered burns to his hands and arms while assisting.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service spokesperson Leena Singh confirmed that a staff member was injured and that employees were offered counselling and support following the incident. She said hospital staff acted swiftly in line with established emergency protocols, relocating a small number of people from the main waiting area to a secure alternative space to minimize both physical risk and emotional trauma. Singh stated that a full incident review had been conducted to strengthen response procedures where needed. Due to patient confidentiality and the active clinical situation, no further personal details have been released. Hospital officials have asked for public understanding as they prioritize patient care and staff wellbeing in the aftermath of the event.