Toddler falls from sixth floor hotel balcony in Limerick
By David Raleigh
A hotel source confirmed the sixth floor, from which the toddler fell, was not booked for use at the time of the fall, and it is unclear why or how the child came to be there.
The sixth floor is normally reserved for functions, business meetings, and parties.
A toddler is seriously ill in hospital after he fell from a hotel balcony in Limerick city.
The boy, who is understood to be between two and three years old, is reported to have fallen from a sixth floor balcony at the Strand Hotel on the Ennis Road.
Emergency services and gardaí were called to the hotel at lunchtime today.
The child is understood to have received medical assistance from a local doctor at the scene before the arrival of the emergency services.
The boy, who is understood to be from Limerick, was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick. Gardaí have described his condition as serious.
A hotel representative said their thoughts and prayers are with the injured boy's family. The hotel is working closely with the gardaí to uncover how the incident occurred.
Well-known Limerick hair stylist Niall Colgan - who runs a hair salon underneath the Stand - described the incident as "very upsetting".
"Fair play to my client who shot out of my chair to tend to the little man until the ambulance arrived," Mr Colgan said.
"She is a well known and respected doctor who may have been instrumental in those few minutes," he added.
Mr Colgan also paid tribute to his staff, "for getting through this afternoon... although we are in deep shock."
He added: "Prayers for the family xx."
Hundreds of people went on social media offering up prayers for the little boy and his family.
"Omg the poor little pet...thoughts are with him and the family. That is so scary," said Laura O'Keefe.
Any Kelleher posted: "Oh my God...The poor baby and his family my thoughts are with them...💗."
"Please God save him," said Jackie Purcell Duhig.
Gardaí are carrying out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Witnesses are asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061-212400.
