Wyre Forest News

Boy lucky to be alive after gate horror

10:00am Thursday 29th July 2010

A FORMER Kidderminster boy is “lucky to be alive” after he was almost crushed to death when he became trapped in an electric gate close to his home.

Seven-year-old Samuel Currier – an ex-pupil of Franche Community Primary School – was playing in his front garden with his brother, Shane Danino, 10, when his foot became stuck underneath the gate as he tried to retrieve a football.

The gate, which is metres from his front door, in Old Trafford, Manchester, pinned him between the bars as it closed, crushing his legs and chest.

About 20 neighbours and his stepfather, Mark, 31, frantically used planks of wood and broom sticks to open up the gate and free the youngster, who suffered bruises.

The dramatic event, on July 16, shook the family as it came weeks after the death of Semelia Campbell, 7, who died after becoming trapped in electronic gates near her home in the Moss Side area of the city.

Days later, Karolina Golabek, 5, was also killed by an automatic gate in Bridgend, South Wales. Now Mr Currier, and Samuel’s mother, Trina, are urging parents to be more vigilant when their kids are playing outside.

Mrs Currier, 35, who moved with the family from Harvington Close to Manchester two years ago, said she rushed outside when she heard screams.

“I thought that he might die,” she said. “He was in a lot of pain. His ankle was badly bruised and he had pain in his tummy. His blood pressure was really high from the shock and he was vomiting.

“His bruising has gone down now but he’s still shaken up and has nightmares. He's so lucky to be alive.

“It took the breath out of him. He had to pull his tummy in as hard as he could because he was that crushed between the gate.”

Mr Currier added: “I want people to be aware of the situation. It was sheer shock to see a boy of that age trapped in a gate and helpless due to the force of that gate taking control.

“These gates are being put in residential areas where there are children and we’ve got to be aware of the dangers.”

He added: “A few people clapped and cheered as he was freed. The man that pulled him from the gate suffered an asthma attack because he was putting his heart and soul into it. If the gate had moved further it would have crushed Samuel’s head so he’s lucky to be alive.”

He added that health and safety watchdogs are currently investigating and the family are still waiting for feedback.

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