A disturbing incident unfolded on the campus of UC Berkeley on Wednesday afternoon when a man reportedly set himself on fire, prompting a swift response from authorities and Good Samaritans who tried to help.
According to officials, the university’s alert system notified students and faculty that a man was on fire near the intersection of Bancroft Way and Telegraph Avenue around 4:15 p.m. Witnesses say several individuals attempted to assist the victim and extinguish the flames.
Upon arriving at the scene, the school’s police department provided aid, and the victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital by the Berkeley Fire Department. Sadly, one of the Good Samaritans who provided aid to the man also sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Joe Fasho, a Twitter user, posted a video of the incident on the platform with the caption: “Took my son on a recruitment visit for UC Berkeley football and saw this after we got lunch.”
The man, believed to be in his 20s, suffered critical injuries. According to local media reports, the man was undergoing a mental health crisis and demanded to be left alone when authorities attempted to extinguish the fire.
It remains unclear whether the victim is connected to the university or intentionally set himself on fire, and his identity has not been disclosed.
This tragic event is a chilling reminder of the mental health crisis that plagues our society. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness in a given year, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34.
While it’s important to respect individuals’ privacy and not make assumptions about their mental health, it’s also crucial that we prioritize mental health care and resources. As a society, we must work together to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that those who are struggling have access to the support and resources they need.
In the meantime, our thoughts are with the victim and all those impacted by this tragic incident. We hope for a full and speedy recovery for those who were injured, and we urge anyone who is struggling with mental health issues to seek help and support. Remember, you are not alone.
WATCH the video below:
Took my son on a recruitment visit for UC Berkeley football and saw this after we got lunch pic.twitter.com/Gli0r1gK1T
— Joe Fasho (@JoeFash0) March 2, 2023
Source: Breaking911