Incident Overview

In a startling turn of events, a 33-year-old Australian man has been charged with setting fire to curtain blinds in a holding room for inadmissible passengers at Changi Airport. The incident occurred on Thursday at around 2:20 AM and has left many in disbelief.

Details of the Charge

Korkmaz Hasan now faces a serious charge of mischief by fire, which has reportedly caused damages estimated at S$1,000 (roughly US$740). After his reckless actions, he has been remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for a thorough medical examination. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 27.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses reported that Korkmaz became verbally abusive towards auxiliary police officers after being denied a cigarette. In a fit of rage, he allegedly tore down the curtain blinds from the holding room and ignited them using his lighter. Disturbingly, he even threatened to escalate the situation by spreading the flames if his demands were unmet.

Response from Authorities

The quick response from the Airport Police Division ensured that the fire was extinguished before it could spread further. However, Korkmaz's aggressive behavior didn't stop there; during the confrontation with officers, he sprayed them with a fire extinguisher, further complicating the situation.

Legal Implications

Authorities are currently conducting investigations into Korkmaz’s behavior and exploring potential ties to other criminal offenses. If convicted of mischief by fire, he is facing up to seven years in prison and substantial fines.

Concerns About Airport Safety

This alarming event raises questions about safety and security protocols at one of the world’s busiest airports, and many are left wondering how such reckless behavior could occur in a controlled environment. Stay tuned as more details emerge about this shocking incident!