Man impaled on railings
A man in his 20s is recovering in hospital today after he became impaled on railings in south Belfast.
He was cut free following a delicate half-hour operation in the Botanic Gardens involving Queen’s University staff, paramedics and firefighters.
The man became impaled through his wrist and hand as he attempted to climb over 9ft railings, shortly after 7pm yesterday.
After the alarm was raised, university employees helped support his weight until the emergency services arrived.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Assistant Group Commander John Langtry said their early intervention was vital.
“If he had fainted or collapsed he would have really done himself some damage.”
On the nature of the operation, Mr Langtry said: “The problem is that once you start cutting it the whole thing is going to move.
“We had to cut nice and slowly in order to keep the vibrations, movement and heat to a minimum.”
Mr Langtry praised the professionalism of everyone involved in the rescue.
The section of rail was later removed from the man and he is understood to be in a stable condition.
