Cumberland Hospital: Urgent search as third patient missing from Sydney mental health facility
A man has gone missing from a Sydney mental health care hospital, following two fatal incidents in the past weeks allegedly involving escapees from the same facility.
A man has gone missing from a Sydney mental health hospital, prompting an urgent police search.
Madan Pandey, 25, was last seen leaving a medical facility on Hainsworth Street, Westmead, about 9.30am on Saturday, NSW Police said.
He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and black shorts.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A search was launched by police when Mr Pandey could not be located.
The patient was taking approved leave from the hospital and did not return at the planned time, ABC reports.
Mr Pandey is described as being of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean, with short black hair and full beard and moustache.
He is known to frequent the Merrylands area.
It comes after two fatal incidents in Sydney in the past weeks allegedly involving escapees from the same mental health facility.
It is not suggested Mr Pandey has committed any crime.
Police allege Luke Peter Francis, 31, punched a 25-year-old man at a petrol station in Hurstville about 10.20am on February 14, before stealing the man’s red car and driving away.
He allegedly led police on a pursuit through Sydney’s southwest before it was called off about 40 minutes before a double fatal crash.
Lee Casuscelli, 60, and her passenger Maureen Crosland, 84, were driving in an Alpha Romeo when the red car ploughed into them.
Mr Francis has since been charged with 11 offences, including two counts each of dangerous driving occasioning death and aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death.
He was also charged with driving recklessly, driving dangerously in a police pursuit, failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, negligent driving occasioning death, driving unlicensed, not stopping at stop line at red light and assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle.
Speaking to NewsWire, a Western Sydney Local Health District spokesman claimed Mr Francis absconded from Cumberland Hospital on February 8.
“A consumer forcibly took an access card from a staff member and used it to abscond from the ward at Cumberland Hospital,” the spokesman alleged.
A few days later on February 17, Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, 25, was charged after allegedly murdering Amammuddin Sadar, 38, and critically injuring two others, Ambika Sharma, 47, and Emre Sen, 21, at a mini mart in Merrylands.
On Tuesday, NSW health authorities said Mr Leaaetoa had absconded from care while being transferred between Cumberland Hospital and Westmead Hospital on February 7 – 10 days before the fatal stabbing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
NewsWire has contacted Western Sydney Local Health District for further comment.
Originally published as Urgent search for missing man last seen at Cumberland Hospital
