Amputee nursing home resident, 72, dies after suddenly catching FIRE
- Great-grandfather suffered terrible burns
- His wheelchair was left a burnt-out wreck
A nursing home resident and amputee has died of horrific burns after being set on fire while smoking a cigarette in a wheelchair.
Great-grandfather Michael Nagle, 72, was reportedly left unattended for a while at the RSL LifeCare in Condobolin, central western New South Wales, as he smoked.
But Mr. Nagle suffered severe burns, leaving his wheelchair a burnt-out wreckage, and died six days later.
His family claims he was not given a smoking apron, which covers someone’s body, to wear while smoking at the facility.
When Mr. Nagle eventually turned out to be in distress, staff reportedly hosed him down and then rolled him onto the grass.
A nursing home resident and amputee has died of horrific burns after being set on fire while smoking a cigarette in a wheelchair. The burnt-out shell of the wheelchair is depicted
His family claimed it took him hours to be taken to the local hospital, despite it being across the road. 7News reported.
It reportedly took an hour for the care home to contact his family about the incident, and when called, a family member claimed they were told ‘you’re taking him’ to the hospital.
‘He must have gone to sleep with the cigarette (which is still lit). It’s very sad. It was a shocking way to go,” said one resident of the home.
NSW Opposition health spokesman Matt Kean said it was a ‘deeply worrying’ situation.
“My thoughts are with the family. What is needed is a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of what happened,” he said.
The incident is being investigated by the state coroner and the family said it is hiring a lawyer.
Amputee Michael Nagle, 72, (pictured) suffered severe burns and died six days later
A spokesperson for RSL LifeCare said: ‘An investigation is ongoing into an incident at William Beech Gardens Residential Aged Care Center on 14 June where a resident was admitted to hospital.
“The safety and well-being of residents is paramount and the incident has been referred to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
“Given the privacy and the ongoing investigation, we will not make any further announcements.”
Mr. Nagle’s funeral will take place this Friday.