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Arson Charge Linked to Deadly COVID Outbreak at Burnaby Hospital
17 Sep
Summary
- Arson charge laid against a 29-year-old Alberta man.
- 2020 hospital fire contributed to a deadly COVID-19 outbreak.
- Fire forced ER closure and patient relocations at Burnaby Hospital.
A 29-year-old man from Alberta, identified as Yu Yung Wang, faces an arson charge related to a 2020 fire at Burnaby Hospital. This incident is believed to have exacerbated a deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the facility. The B.C. Prosecution Service formally charged Wang with "arson, disregard for human life" last week.
Burnaby RCMP stated that investigators identified Wang as a suspect in the summer of 2023, noting he had since relocated to Alberta. The 2020 fire had significant repercussions, including the closure of the hospital's emergency room and the relocation of patients to other areas.
Fraser Health officials indicated at the time that these disruptions contributed to the spread of COVID-19. The hospital experienced two separate COVID-19 outbreaks in the month following the arson incident. Police emphasized their determination to find answers regarding the fire's impact during a challenging pandemic period.
