Investigation after flagpole falls on girl, 2, in Otley (From Wharfedale Observer)

Investigation after flagpole falls on girl, 2, in Otley

10:30am Thursday 26th April 2012 in News

An investigation is under way to find out how a flagpole fell and injured a young child in the middle of Otley.

The accident happened in the Memorial Garden, in Bondgate.

The alarm was raised after the garden’s wooden flagpole had apparently collapsed and struck a two-year-old girl, who was taken by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary. It is believed she suffered a head injury.

A Yorkshire Air Ambulance had also attended, landing nearby, but paramedics decided it was not needed.

A ambulance spokeswoman confirmed a land ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were both sent out, and that the girl was treated at the scene before being moved to hospital.

The memorial garden is owned by Leeds City Council, who say they are now trying to find out exactly what happened in the incident at about 11am on Saturday, March 31.

A spokesman for the authority said: “A thorough investigation is underway looking into the circumstances around this incident.

“Our thoughts are with the child affected to hopefully make a complete recovery and we have met with the parents concerned, offering our full support.”

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said it was imperative that steps were now taken to prevent a similar incident in the future.

He said: “I am sorry that there was such an unfortunate accident, and I hope the girl is okay.

“I shall be asking about the plans for the inspection of flagpoles to ensure nothing like this happens again.”

The town centre was gridlocked while paramedics attended to the girl.