Two men escaped Australian mental health facilities in February 2026, leading to three deaths and prompting calls for systemic reform.

Two men escaped from mental health facilities in New South Wales, Australia, in February 2026, leading to three deaths in separate incidents. The first escape occurred on February 8 from the state’s largest psychiatric hospital, linked to a police pursuit that killed two people; the suspect was charged. On February 7, another patient fled Cumberland Hospital and allegedly carried out a stabbing spree. In response, NSW officials announced a security review of mental health facilities. Advocates are calling for systemic reforms, citing chronic underfunding and overreliance on crisis care, and urging greater investment in community-based mental health support to prevent future tragedies.