Man sets himself on fire; witnesses traumatized

Several people, among whom some children, were traumatized by the horrific scene that unfolded itself in front of their eyes, when a man covered himself in a flammable liquid and set himself on fire at the entrance of a supermarket on the Aagje Dekenstraat in Vlissingen, Friday. His condition is critical and "it's uncertain whether he will make it," said a police spokesperson.

The incident took place around 18:15. Bystanders and staff of the Albert Heijn rushed over to put out the fire. The victim was taken to the Burns Centre in Rotterdam by a trauma helicopter. The City will have a closed meeting with the witnesses and neighbors, Tuesday, in the town hall. Victim support assists the bystanders. Parents of children who saw the incident can call a special support line of the Dutch community health services, starting Monday. The victim, a familiar face in the neighborhood, attempted to commit suicide. Although he was regularly seen sitting on a bench in the area, police don't know if he lives in the neighborhood, of if he is homeless.