Mr. Priestman, a former soldier and father of two young girls, posted on Facebook that evening: “I’m giving up my hospital bed on my ward for somebody who needs it, already [Wythenshawe Hospital] is filling up with people sadly injured last night. Stay Strong Manchester Unite As One And Come Together As One.”
Mr. Priestman said he learned of the attack at Britain’s Manchester Arena after checking Facebook on his phone. The hospital began filling up with victims, and he described the environment as resembling a “warzone.”
The attack was perpetrated by a suicide bomber who detonated an improvised bomb at 10:33 p.m. local time, according to NBC News. The bomb exploded in the foyer of the arena just after the concert ended. Twenty-two people, including children, were killed, and at least 59 others were wounded. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, but a connection to the Islamist group has not yet been confirmed.
Although nurses advised him to stay in the hospital, Mr. Priestman left Tuesday morning. He is now recovering at home.
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