Teenage hammer-throwing victim ‘fighting for his life’ after ‘tragic’ accident at suburban sports ground

by Admin
September 6, 2024

A young teenager critically injured in a hammer-throwing accident in Adelaide’s inner-north is “fighting for his life” in hospital, with police describing the situation as “tragic” and saying enquiries would be made regarding the circumstances surrounding it.

The 13-year-old Christian Brothers College student was rushed to hospital on Thursday evening after the incident at St Albans Reserve at Clearview.

Paramedics were called to the athletics ground just before 5pm, following reports a child had sustained critical head injuries during a school training session.

South Australia’s Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the “full circumstances” of the incident were unclear, but that it appeared to be an “incredibly unfortunate accident”.

“It’s quite a tragic situation,” he said.

“This young boy is fighting for his life now as a result of the injury he sustained.”

St Albans Reserve is equipped with several field event facilities. (ABC News: Dean Faulkner)

The commissioner said “obviously there’ll be enquiries” regarding the circumstances that led up to the injury.

“At this time we’re just hoping that he pulls through,” he said.

“This is just one of those incredibly unfortunate accidents that happen.

“There are risks that are associated with participating in sports — but I don’t think this is one of those risks that anyone would have foreseen.”

In a statement, Christian Brothers College principal David Johnston confirmed one of the school’s Year 7 students was involved in a “very unfortunate” accident during athletics training at the reserve.

“The accident is under ongoing investigation, with all staff and students who were present, assisting in the process,” Mr Johnston said.

“We have arranged for our school counsellors and additional support personnel to provide guidance and emotional support for both students and staff as we navigate through this difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student, their family, friends and the wider CBC community.”

Police standing in a reserve. — The 13-year-old boy sustained serious head injuries at St Albans Reserve. (ABC News: Dean Faulkner)

St Albans Reserve is equipped with several field event facilities and is the home of the Enfield Harriers Athletic Club.

“The location of the school training session was on our grounds,” a club spokesperson said.

“The details of what led to this happen [are] unclear, but we are very distressed by the damage done and our thoughts and prayers go to the young man.”

A South Australian Ambulance Service spokesperson said the boy was treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.