Monday 16th September 2013 – 10.35pm – Murray MacGregor.
Youngsters are being warned of the dangers of playing near railway lines after a teenager suffered horrific injuries in the Bilston area.
The incident happened where the railway goes under Bayer Street, Coseley at around 6.45pm on Monday evening.
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, the MERIT trauma doctor and the Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The 15 year old boy was with a group of friends on some pipework which runs parallel to the road over train tracks.
“The crews were told that he slipped down and got too close to the overhead electric cables which then arced onto his left leg, which was set on fire.
“His friends managed to pull him back up and put the fire out. They then dragged him roughly 10-15m to the roadside.
“The MERIT doctor assessed his potentially very severe burns both externally and internally. He was taken on blue lights to the paediatric major trauma centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Whilst the injury isn’t life threatening, it could be life changing.
“We would appeal to people of all ages to be mindful of the dangers of the very high voltages that runs through the electricity cables that run on some railway lines.
“This appears to have been nothing more than an accident, but for one young man, it may shape his future.”
Ends
Hi I’m one the lads brother and just wanted to say thank you, he had made a full recovery after several operations and many months and returned to the sports and other things he loves doing, and has long prosperous life ahead.
Thank You
Good morning…
Many thanks indeed for taking the time to contact us with such good news.
It is always such good news to hear that someone that we have been able to help has been able to complete their road to recovery and has been able to resume their life. As you say, let’s hope your brother has a long and prosperous life ahead.
Thanks again