‘Bright & athletic’ boy, 14, fighting for his life after being electrocuted by high voltage cable at £58k-a-year school
A 14-YEAR-OLD boy is fighting for his life after being electrocuted by a high voltage cable at a top private boarding school.
Chase Allen was rushed to hospital alongside two others zapped by the overhead electrical cable at posh Millfield School in Somerset.
Ambulances, an air ambulance, a specialist hazard team, fire engine and police scrambled to the scene in the town of Street after the alarm was raised.
Chase is described as a “bright and athletic” teenager who competed in the 100m running and discus at last year’s English Schools’ Track and Field Cup.
It has now been revealed he suffered extensive injuries “affecting his internal organs” and with “such severe burns that he has had most of his toes amputated”, according to a Gofundme page.
The statement said: “His feet may have to be amputated and NHS surgeons are working tirelessly.
“They remain uncertain whether they will be able to save his feet as the burns have caused critical damage.
“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.”
The three lads, aged 13 to 14, all suffered burns and needed surgery following the terrifying incident last Saturday.
The school has now been referred to the Health and Safety Executive for investigation.
In an update on Chase’s condition posted on Thursday, his family said: “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.”
A letter released from the £58,000-a-year school’s headmaster, Gavin Horgan, to parents said that a “serious incident occurred”.
He said “contact with overhead electrical cables” had left the teenagers with “serious injuries.”
He added: “The boys have 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.
“All three students have their families or close family friends with them.
“We are in close contact with the families and they are very grateful for the care that has been afforded to their children.”
The school has offered counselling to the other boys in the boarding house where it happened, the head said.
The headteacher asked parents to “avoid speculation,” and tried to reassure them that it was an “isolated incident.”
He said that the pupils were “supported by Millfield staff within moments and emergency services were there within minutes.”
A Millfield spokesperson said: “There is no ongoing danger to others.
“The entire Millfield Community’s thoughts and best wishes are with them all.
“We ask for everyone to respect their privacy and avoid speculation.
“We are working closely with the authorities to investigate how the accident occurred.”
The school boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 30,300 square foot riding school, squash courts and a fencing “salle”.
It is known for its excellence at sport and has also educated England captain Chris Robshaw, Olympic shooter Peter Wilson, the King of Thailand, and pop star Lily Allen.