Pupil impaled on hook at Prestwick Academy

Dec 4 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Prestwick Academy

A SCHOOLBOY had a three-inch hole under his arm after he was impaled on a hook during a PE lesson.

The second year pupil had to undergo surgery after the horrific accident at state-of-the-art Prestwick Academy.

The bloody incident happened weeks after the multi-million pound facility was officially opened.

The 13-year-old pupil was enjoying a game of dodgeball with his classmates.

He dived out the path of the ball and landed on a hook used to hold up tennis and badminton nets.

Worried pupils watched as the class teacher lifted the boy off the hook.

He was taken to Ayr Hospital by teachers where concerned doctors performed surgery on the pupil overnight on Wednesday, November 18.

His injury was inches from his vital organs.

The traumatised youngster is now recovering from his ordeal at home.

He is not expected to return to school until after the Christmas break.

The C-shaped hooks, which were fixed five feet high on the wall, have since been removed.

Council bosses have apologised to the pupil and his parents.

Brian McInroy, head of school management for South Ayrshire Council said: “A second year pupil was involved in an accident in the gymnasium and staff at the school provided immediate assistance and first aid.

“The pupil was later taken to hospital and has since been released.

“Our thoughts are with the pupil, who was injured. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

The new multi-million pound Prestwick Academy building was officially opened before VIP guests.

Councillor Hywel Davies hailed the new building as: “A fitting place for young people to learn, prosper and grow into active citizens.”