SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – New South Wales Police are investigating the death of a 72-year-old man at Sutherland Hospital in south Sydney, which occurred concurrently with an alleged act of sabotage that shut down the facility's gas supply early on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. A 42-year-old woman, Vanessa Moulton, has been charged with multiple offences, including sabotage, but has not been charged in relation to the man's death. The case has been referred to the coroner to determine if the death is linked to the gas supply interruption.

According to police statements, the series of events began at approximately 12:20 AM local time (6:20 PM, Monday, EAT) when Ms. Moulton allegedly cut the non-medical gas supply and water mains at Kareena Private Hospital. Authorities allege she then activated fire hoses at the private facility before moving to the nearby Sutherland Hospital. At around 1:30 AM (7:30 PM, Monday, EAT), she allegedly switched off the main gas valve at the public hospital.

The shutdown forced Sutherland Hospital to implement emergency contingency plans, switching to portable oxygen and air supplies to maintain patient care. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed the gas systems were restored within approximately two hours. He described the alleged act as "beyond serious" and potentially "catastrophic," highlighting the vulnerability of critical life-saving infrastructure.

Police were notified on Tuesday afternoon that a 72-year-old male patient had died at Sutherland Hospital at approximately 2:30 AM (8:30 PM, Monday, EAT), about an hour after the gas main was allegedly shut off. While doctors initially issued a death certificate, the matter has since been escalated for coronial investigation following the revelations of the gas supply disruption. Health Minister Park stated he had contacted the deceased's family to offer his condolences.

Vanessa Moulton was arrested by NSW Police just before 4:00 AM (10:00 PM, Monday, EAT) in the nearby suburb of Miranda for a breach of bail conditions related to separate charges. She was subsequently charged on Tuesday afternoon with a range of offences, including two counts of public nuisance, two counts of entering prescribed premises without lawful excuse, sabotage, destroying or damaging property, and breach of bail. Additional charges of tampering with a fire alarm and trespassing were laid in connection to an alleged incident at a Darlinghurst hostel on Monday, October 27.

Appearing at Sutherland Local Court via video link on Wednesday, October 29, Ms. Moulton denied the sabotage charge, stating to the magistrate, "I didn't do it." She declined legal representation and, when questioned about breaching bail by failing to report to police on Monday, claimed she believed it was Sunday. The magistrate, Pilar Lopez, noted the seriousness of the charges, with sabotage carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Ms. Moulton was refused bail and remanded in custody until her next court appearance on December 24, 2025.

The incident has prompted a review of security protocols at NSW public hospitals. Minister Park acknowledged that the woman had allegedly scaled a wall to access a restricted area, and stated the government would investigate what improvements could be implemented. Premier Chris Minns assured the public that authorities would do everything possible to keep critical health infrastructure safe. Ramsay Health Care, the operator of Kareena Private Hospital, confirmed its services were quickly restored with no impact on patient care.

While this event has no direct link to Kenya, it serves as a critical case study for healthcare administrators and security planners in the East Africa region. The deliberate targeting of essential hospital services like medical gas and water highlights a significant vulnerability. For Kenyan hospitals, both public and private, this incident underscores the importance of robust physical security around critical infrastructure, regular risk assessments, and well-rehearsed contingency plans to ensure patient safety is not compromised during unexpected disruptions. The investigation into the patient's death will be closely watched internationally to understand the full impact of such an attack on a healthcare facility.