More and more of them spend the extra years medicine has given them in "homes for senior citizens", in hospitals for chronic diseases, and in nursing homes — waiting for the end.

Based in Mechanicsburg, Pa. , Select Medical operates 87 long-term acute care hospitals, five inpatient rehabilitation centers and 948 outpatient rehabilitation centers across the U. S.

Five of the injured have been admitted to the high dependence unit of the Royal Darwin Hospital. Three have serious burns and two have respiratory problems.