Boy fighting for life after electrocution with parents 'constantly by his side'
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT A teenager who was rushed to hospital after being shocked by a high voltage cable at Millfield School in Somerset remains in a critical condition
The family of a 14-year-old rushed to hospital after being electrocuted by a power cable during a tragic incident at a top private school are "committed to remaining positive" despite his critical condition.
Ambulances, an air ambulance, a specialist hazard team, fire engine and police scrambled to Millfield School in Somerset on Saturday May 3. Talented athlete Chase was rushed to hospital alongside two others after they came into contact with the high voltage cable at the school.
The 'bright and athletic' teenager remains in hospital where his loved ones predict he will need to stay for at last two more months. He suffered extensive injuries 'affecting his internal organs and with such severe burns that he has had most of his toes amputated'.
So far, a GoFundMe page set up on behalf of his family has raised £66,880. On Tuesday, fundraiser organiser Daveene McCallion, a parent at Millfield School with a son who is at the same age as Chase, issued an update on Chase's condition.
She told the Mirror: "Chase's mother and father send a huge thank you to the overwhelming number of people who are supporting Chase. The kind words, donations, thoughts and prayers provide encouragement and comfort as he fights to overcome his injuries.
"Chase's parents are so rightly proud of their son and we all know that he will get through this. He has tremendous determination and courage. NHS staff continue working to stabilise his condition.
"The situation is difficult to navigate for many of us and we are all trying to prioritise what is helpful for Chase and what is not. Our deep gratitude goes to all those who have shown so much care. We will continue to do our best to let you know how he is doing whilst maintaining his dignity and privacy as a young man."
Daveene explained that Chase is being looked after by NHS staff at the children's hospital in Bristol and his parents are constantly by his side.
"A highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team of plastic surgeons, haematologists, neurologists, counsellors, anaesthetists, doctors, nurses and other specialists are doing all they can for Chase. The NHS staff are outstanding in their care for him.
"His condition is constantly changing and there is no guarantee from one day to the next how his body will respond to the various treatments.
"Family and friends are committed to remaining positive and hopeful. We all look forward to when he can join his circle of friends, continue his education and enjoy a full, active and successful life."
She added that at the moment, Chase is not well enough to receive visitors and his condition is still not stabilised, and asked people not to attend the hospital. "Continue to send prayers, cards etc and we will continue to read them to Chase," Daveene said.
"We thank each and every person who is supporting Chase and showing kindness in any capacity. Prayers and thoughts are also with the other boys involved whose families wish for complete privacy."
Gavin Horgan, headmaster of the school, wrote to parents to tell them a 'serious incident occurred' In a letter seen by The Sun, 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."
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."
A spokesperson for 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."
A HSE spokesperson said: "HSE is aware of this incident and has been in contact with Avon and Somerset Police and the School to make initial enquiries."
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