Sismanoglio Hospital Fire: 77-Year-Old Patient Arrested for Arson

A 77-year-old patient at Sismanoglio Hospital in Athens has confessed to intentionally starting a fire in Ward 10 of the Internal Medicine Clinic. The blaze, which broke out early Thursday, caused panic and necessitated a difficult evacuation of the hospital.

The patient initially told authorities that he lit a cigarette, leading to an accidental fire. However, after further questioning by fire investigators, he admitted to deliberately setting a mattress on fire. According to ERT, he claimed to be under severe psychological pressure and sought to release his stress through this act.

Following the incident, the patient left the hospital and returned to his residence in Nea Filadelfeia. His absence was noted during a patient count, prompting police to locate him at his home. He was subsequently taken in for questioning by fire investigators.

The patient is expected to appear before prosecutors at the former Evelpidon School to face charges and will then be referred to an investigating judge. The fire caused significant disruption and highlighted the vulnerability of hospital facilities.