Moment of dread and horror this Monday noon at the Saint-Louis hospital (Xe), in Paris.
Shortly before 3 p.m., a 47-year-old man, an employee of the AP-HP (Assistance Publique-Hôpital de Paris), employed as an administrative secretary, went to the premises of the establishment.
Arrived in the offices, in front of colleagues, "he took out a can of gasoline, sprayed himself, took out a match and caught fire," explains a police source.
“It was total panic, adds a source close to the file.
About 20 people came out to escape the fire.
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The man was burned on the upper body, face and thighs, and rushed to intensive care, with a life-threatening prognosis.
A security guard who seized a fire extinguisher to contain the flames on the victim was severely burned on his left hand and on his left leg.
Under the effect of heat and flames, 50 m2 of false ceiling collapsed.
A security perimeter has been established.
Firefighters from the Parmentier, Château-Landon and Sevigné barracks arrived in large numbers.
The victim was "in great psychological difficulty"
Technicians from the central laboratory of the police headquarters went to examine the scene, determine the outbreaks of fire and establish the circumstances.
According to a source close to the case, the victim was "in great psychological difficulty", known to his hierarchy.
She reportedly indicated that the victim had expressed "the desire to end her life".
During the day, the AP-HP was to activate a psychological support unit.
"It is a terrible tragedy", reacted Alexandra Cordebard, the mayor (PS) of the 10th district, who brings "all her support to the teams of the hospital".
This Monday evening, the elected was to turn to the director.
The investigation, entrusted to the police station of the 10th arrondissement by the Paris prosecutor's office, is continuing.