Daniel Andrews: Victoria premier in intensive care after serious fall down stairs

Daniel Andrews has suffered vertebrae damage and has several broken ribs

File image: Daniel Andrews has been the permier of Victoria since 2014 (EPA)

Daniel Andrews, the premier of the state of Victoria in Australia, has broken several ribs and is in intensive care at a hospital after falling on a flight of stairs on Tuesday morning.

The 48-year-old politician of the Labor party stated that he was admitted to hospital after slipping and falling on wet and slippery stairs.

“A CT scan has revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days,” said Mr Andrews.

“Cath (Catherine), the kids and I are extremely grateful to the @AmbulanceVic [Ambulance Victoria] paramedics who showed such care and kindness to our family this morning, as we are to the clinicians who have taken care of me today,” he tweeted.

Mr Andrews stated that he may provide another update on his health later this week and announced that deputy premier James Merlino will be the acting premier while he is recovering over the next few days.

“For now, we’d like to ask that our family’s privacy is respected,” said the leader of Australia’s second-smallest state that has an estimated population of about 6.2 million.

The Labor leader, who has been the premier of Victoria since 2014, thanked family members, friends, colleagues and people of the state for “messages of love and support throughout the day.”

Kevin Rudd, former prime minister of Australia, also wished him a quick recovery.

“Whatever your politics, I know all Victorians and all Australians would wish premier Dan Andrews an early and complete recovery from his injuries. My best wishes to Dan’s wife Catherine and their kids,” Mr Rudd tweeted.