THE FATHER of a Burnley teenager who plunged 20ft into a river today said a waterside path should be fenced off before someone is killed.
David Plumb said his 16-year-old son Daniel had a lucky escape when he fell down the embankment into the River Calder breaking his ankle - but next time a youngster could lose his life.
Mr Plumb is now calling for safety measures at the steep embankment running along the river near the end of Berwick Drive, Stoneyholme.
Fire chiefs last week said that Daniel could have been much more seriously injured if the water had been deeper. It was only about a foot high when he fell in.
Mr Plumb, who lives in Padgate Place, said he is considering taking legal action against those responsible for the site.
He said: "I think it is a definite death trap and improvements have to be made, he was so lucky he could have easily have killed himself.
"He is fortunate he did not suffer much more damage.
"If something is not done before long I can see someone been killed at that spot.
"A fence should be put up to stop people from falling down."
Mr Plumb said Daniel was running along a path leading from Berwick Drive when his momentum took him down the embankment.
His father added: "Once he got to the bank he had no way of stopping.
"He tried to stop himself on one of the pillars on the bridge but he did not make full contact with it.
"He caught it with a glancing blow and fell into the river."
His friends called the emergency services after the incident last Thursday.
Fortunately, the water was shallow and Daniel managed to get himself out, but because of the pain in his ankle fire crews had to pull Daniel up the embankment on a spinal board.
He was taken to Burnley General Hospital where he was today still receiving treatment for his injuries.
Mr Plumb said Daniel, who is due to sit his GCSEs this year at Habergham High School, is on painkillers to help numb the pain.
He said: "His ankle is broken on one side and the other side has had to be re-set as it has twisted out of place.
"Daniel is still in hospital but we are hoping he will be home today."
David Brown, the council's director of environment said: "Burnley Council is looking to gather further information about the recent incident to determine if any action from the council is required."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article