An eight-year-old boy has survived a 'horrific freak accident' after being impaled by the handlebars of his bicycle at a pump track in Preston. The youngster was riding at the Longridge pump track on a recreation ground when he crashed, and the handlebars punctured all the way through his leg.
A passer-by provided first aid before emergency services arrived. An air ambulance was deployed but later stood down, and the boy was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool by road. His mother posted on Facebook that he will survive but requires surgery on his leg.
The £100,000 pump track, which opened in April, is popular for bicycles, scooters, roller blades, skateboards and wheelchairs. Ribble Valley Borough Council said the incident was not due to any defect in the track, which meets all safety standards with clear signage.
A council spokesman said: 'We will investigate what has happened and if necessary take further action to encourage the track’s safe use.' The boy's mother added: 'It was a horrific freak accident. I’m sure the pump track won’t see another injury the same as that one again!'
