Boy, 14, fighting for life after being electrocuted at £58,000-a-year school
A ‘bright’ and athletic 14-year-old is fighting for his life after being electrocuted at a top private boarding school.
Chase Allen and two other boys were electrocuted by high voltage overhead cables at Millfield School, near Street, Somerset.
Ambulances, including an air ambulance, a specialist hazard team, police and fire crews rushed to the scene and the pupils were taken to hospital.
The school told parents all three underwent surgery and it would be ‘some time’ before they knew the extent of the injuries.
However, a GoFundMe page set up by a parent at the school, said he was ‘fighting for his life’ after suffering extensive injuries ‘affecting his internal organs’.
They said the burns were so severe ‘most of his toes were amputated’ and that his feet may also have to be amputated.
‘They remain uncertain whether they will be able to save his feet as the burns have caused critical damage,’ the parent added.
‘We all pray that no more had to be amputated and we are enormously grateful for everything the NHS is doing.
‘Careful fluid therapy is being used for his internal injuries.’
They described Chase as ‘bright and energetic, with a passion for sports’.
‘Known for his determination and athletic skill, he has been an inspiration to his teammates and friends. He has always been positive, healthy and strong,’ the parent said.
An update from Chase’s family was later added. It read: ‘Chase has a recovery day today and is resting as much as he can to prepare for his 5th surgery tomorrow.
‘We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from the Millfield community and beyond.
‘Our boy is a real warrior, a fighter and we are staying positive and praying that he can continue to get better with every hour that passes.’
The parent asked for donations to support the family, who live in South Africa and New Zealand, in the weeks and months ahead.
More than £60,000 has been raised so far.
Millfield School has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive for investigation.
In a letter seen by The Sun, headmaster of the £58,000-a-year school, Gavin Horgan, wrote to parents to explain a ‘serious incident’ had occurred.
He said ‘contact with overhead electrical cables’ had left the the pupils with ‘serious injuries’ and that they had ‘undergone surgery overnight and are currently in a stable condition’.
‘It will be some time before we understand the extent of their injuries and it will be a long road to recovery,’ he added.
Mr Horgan said the students had their family and close family friends with them.
A Millfield spokesperson said in a separate statement that there was no ongoing danger to others and that it was working closely with authorities to investigate how the accident happened.
Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘We were called by the ambulance service at 7.50pm on Saturday 3 May to support them and the fire service in responding to an incident at Millfield School, near Street.
‘Three people were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Their next of kin have been informed.
‘Following the incident, a referral was made to the Health and Safety Executive who will lead in any investigation.’
Millfield School is known for its excellence in sport and has its own Olympic-sized swimming pool, riding school, a fencing ‘salle’ and squash courts.
Former pupils include former Rugby Union England captain Chris Robshaw, Olympic shooter Peter Wilson, singer Lily Allen and the King of Thailand.
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