Asylum seeker dies of burns
An asylum seeker living on a bridging visa in Melbourne is dead after suffering serious burns.
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said the man was rushed to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after a “very serious incident” on Saturday morning, but died overnight.
He suffered burns to about 90 per cent of his body.
“There are many matters about this incident which are still not known at this time,” Mr Morrison told reporters on Sunday, adding that the man’s injuries were not linked to an assault.
Police are investigating the death and also working to formally identify the man, who was living in the community and receiving “necessary support“, Mr Morrison said.
He arrived in Australia in January 2013 and was first granted a bridging visa in May the same year.
The minister extended the government’s sympathies to the man’s friends and overseas-based family.
