30th October 2008 (Thurs)

At 1pm, while I was in lecture, an ex-employer of UW poured kerosene on himself and lit himself in the middle of Red Square, which was filled with students at that time. No other people was hurt and many people tried to put out the fire (some even use their jeans) but in the end the guy died in the hospital. The reason why he did such a thing is still unknown.

I got out of class at 1.10p.m and saw fire engines around the place. (I also heard sirens blaring while in lecture.) Decided not to walk to that area and just took another route to get to my destination. Was wondering whether there was some fire drill or exercise that was being carried out cause there was even a helicopter directly above Red Square. Can say I was ‘lucky’ I avoided that place so I did not witness anything.

May he rest in peace.