Holidaymaker falls 15ft down manhole
Last updated 15:34, Tuesday, 17 June 2008
A HOLIDAYMAKER who was texting on his phone one minute says he found himself at the bottom of a 15ft hole the next.
Ian James was on his way to pick up his morning newspaper when he stepped on a manhole cover and was plunged into darkness.
Miraculously, despite falling into a sewer he managed to climb out and walk away from the fall with just cuts and bruises.
The accident happened on Tuesday June 3 after Ian, his two children and partner Michelle Broadstock had travelled up from Manchester to spend a week at Haven’s Lakeland holiday park in Flookburgh.
Michelle said she was in bed when she heard the commotion.
She said: “It was Tuesday morning and Ian had gone to get the paper at around 8.30am.
“We were all in bed and the next thing I heard him crying and shouting that he'd fallen down a big hole.
“He was just walking past holding his phone and went straight down.”
Ian escaped by climbing up a ladder and appears to have had a very lucky escape despite suffering bruising to his leg, back and under his arms.
Michelle said: “He was in shock. I phoned for the ambulance and they came and put him on a spinal board and took him to FGH in Barrow. The doctor checked him over and said he was very lucky. It spoilt the holiday and the children were upset. It’s spoilt everything.”
The area around the hole was fenced off while an investigation into the accident was carried out.
A spokesman for Haven’s Lakeland park said: “Our health and safety advisors have carried out a full and thorough investigation and a report is now with our lawyers.
“In view of a letter received from Mr James’ legal representatives, we do not believe it wise to comment further at this stage.”
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