SYDNEY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- An investigation has been launched into the death of a man who was attacked by a fellow patient at a Brisbane hospital.
Authorities in the state of Queensland on Tuesday confirmed that the 39-year-old man died on May 4, two days after he was attacked by another patient in the psychiatric ward at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane's inner-south.
The Queensland Police Service said that it has commenced an investigation into whether the attack caused the man's death or if it triggered an underlying medical condition and that a report would be prepared for the coroner.
News Corp Australia newspapers said that the 39-year-old was a prisoner and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said that the incident is being treated as a death in custody.
The man's death was not disclosed publicly until hospital staff contacted local media.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said on Tuesday that a thorough investigation into the incident was required and there would be a "sincere follow-through" if the man's death was caused by the attack. ■
