WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Kelsey Meyers, who witnessed the horror incident, and is still very shaken up described the incident as "bloodcurdling" and says "every time I close my eyes, I see that gentleman"

Witnesses have described the horror moment a man was engulfed in flames in front of patients at a hospital in Far North Queensland.

On Thursday, Febraury 26 just after 2am local time patients at the Cairns Hospital’s emergency department were left shaken after a man entered the emergency department and reportedly set himself alight. Kelsey Meyers and her husband were sat in the waiitng area when the horrific incident unfolded.

Ms Meyers told the Cairns Post : "The smell, the screams, I will never forget it. It was bloodcurdling... My partner tried to shield me, but even in the reflection of a window, I could see it."

She explained: "We were trying to get away from the smoke and the smell, it’s stuck in my nostrils. My partner was telling the nurse to close the door because the smell was making us sick, we just wanted to get out. One of [the nurses] who put the fire out was burnt all over his hands and all over his arms."

Ms Meyers said she was still very shaken after seeing the horrific incident unfold this week. She said: "Every time I close my eyes, I see that gentleman."

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service spokesman Leena Singh confirmed a staff member was injured during the incident and employees had been 'offered assistance and counselling support'.

Singh told MailOnline : "As per established protocols, at the time of the incident, our staff quickly and calmly decanted a relatively small number of people from the main ED waiting room into a secure, safe alternative area within the department.

"This was done both to remove everyone from any physical risk and, importantly, to shield them from having to witness a potentially traumatic scene."

Ms Singh said a full incident review was conducted. 'To ensure we continue to learn and strengthen our already robust emergency response protocols,' she said. Ms Singh could not provide further details due to patient confidentiality. She added: "We ask for understanding that we are unable to provide any further personal details at this time."

Cairns Hospital, located at 165 The Esplanade features 531 beds and a 24-hour emergency department. Serving a rapidly growing population, it acts as the primary referral center for the region, offering over 30 sub-specialties, including advanced oncology, mental health, and surgical care.

For mental health support, call the Samaritans for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit samaritans.org.