Schoolboy Thomas Harris impaled on metal spike

Apr 25 2009 The Journal

A SCHOOLBOY is recovering in hospital today after being impaled on a metal spike when he slipped climbing over a fence.

Thomas Harris was cut free by firefighters with a six-inch spike still in his leg.

His brother and friend ran for help as he dangled upside down with the spear piercing his left calf.

Medics have cleaned up the gaping hole and have stitched the wound and they hope there will be no lasting damage.

Now the brave 11-year-old says he is keeping the potentially lethal metal railings to put on his bedroom wall.

His dad, Simon, a taxi driver of Barmston, Washington, said: “He is so lucky. That spike went through his calf and missed any major artery.

The 33-year-old added: “He was impaled on the spike and me and others held him up while the fire brigade came to free him.

“Thomas is bearing up well. He is lying in hospital making the doctors and nurses laugh.”

The accident happened around 3.15pm on Thursday when Thomas slipped while climbing the wrought iron fence surrounding Glebe Park, near Emmerson Terrace, Washington.