Overview

• The victim, 55-year-old María Juan, had been intubated and on mechanical assistance after an August 22 traffic accident and was hospitalized at the Regional Hospital.
• Security footage cited by investigators shows her brother entering the ICU outside visiting hours, staying about 15 minutes, and handing her a cigarette and a lighter.
• Minutes later the bedding on her camilla caught fire, causing severe facial and airway burns that led to her transfer to the Shock Room and her death on Monday night.
• Three prosecutorial units have ordered an autopsy, on-site forensic work, seizure and review of CCTV, and testimony from doctors and nurses on duty.
• Authorities are scrutinizing visitor controls and safety protocols, and the hospital has not announced any protocol changes publicly.