26 Aug 2017

Refugee on Nauru survives self-immolation attempt

7:47 am on 26 August 2017

The Nauru government says a refugee detained on the island by Australia has survived a self-immolation attempt with only minor burns.

It said quick intervention by security guards at the detention centre extinguished the fire, and the man was able to walk to a medical centre for treatment.

It said the incident happened on Thursday night when the man attempted to visit an estranged girlfriend, before dousing himself with flammable liquid and setting it alight.

He was treated for superficial burns and smoke inhalation.