MAJOR INCIDENT REPORT 11th June 2010-10-13
Falmouth Rugby Club FRIDAY 12.50 pm

On the weather forecast good weather was reported so it was assumed that we would be allowed on the pitch on a warm sunny day 11th June.

Louise who had damaged her eye two days earlier took time off to recuperate but I had adequate staffing with Becky, Hayley, John & Beth.

When I arrived to set up the ground for our CAR BOOT SALE I made a point of speaking with the club secretary to see if there could be a way in which we could use just the dead ball area for parking some of the sellers. He advised that the matter was not one for his decision so we would have to make do with the hard standing gravel grounds.

I parked up the sellers one lady driving a green SKODA was allocated her space she seemed agitated on arrival complaining about the time for her to set up and the space allocated was not enough. I told her to ‘calm down’ and to do the same as the other sellers and set her stall up. My own vehicle was parked within 4 yards of the SKODA next to the catering vehicles comprising of Burgher Van and an Ice-Cream trailer.

At 12.30 pm I checked all stalls and the majority of the sellers were ready, I sounded the HORN for the commencement of the CAR BOOT SALE. The sale was lively to start with over 1000 buyers attending.

At 12.50 pm a lady asked me for one of our books with times and dates and I opened the car door to get the book and suddenly I heard several loud screams and shouts of ‘help’ from ladies, I turned to witness the SKODA car had lurched forward onto 7-8 buyers who were looking at items for sale displayed on the ground in front of the SKODA.

The car was lying on top of the buyers the engine was revving and several people tried to push the car back to no avail. Paul from LTC catering got into the car to attempt to turn the engine off, eventually the car was lifted off the injured ladies and the emergency services were called.

It seems that the driver of the SKODA had left her car in gear with the handbrake off and she left the keys were in the ignition. At 12.50 pm she decided to close the windows turned the key on and the car lurched forward crushing the casualties.

8 ladies attended hospital and amongst the injured was Candice Collins who was six months pregnant, we have recently heard Candice has given birth and mother and baby are doing well.

Special thanks to all our customers who helped and full praise to the emergency services and paramedics who attended to our customers. PC Andy Mulhern was a credit to the Police in the most understanding way in which he conducted his enquiries.

Several witnesses were most helpful but it should go on record that the incident could have been worse if it was for the prompt action and help from the staff of LTC Catering Kelly, Michelle and Paul. Thank you!

I have spoken to all of the injured recently, it is obvious they have suffered pains and shock but I am pleased to report there are no serious injuries caused to our customers.

The problem we all have to suffer is the ‘flash backs’ in hearing the desperate screams of the injured ladies as they lay under the trapped under this vehicle.

The driver of the SKODA through her own negligence caused this accident, she was questioned by the Police and breathalysed, and the result was clean therefore there were no charges.

Some of the injured persons are dealing with their own Solicitors to claim loss of earnings and for their injuries.

We have known most of the injured persons for many years who are regular visitors to the Car Boot Sales at Falmouth Rugby Club since 1989 they are all nice people we love them all!

This incident does bring into question the safety of our customers, but for the fact that we were NOT ALLOWED on the pitch dead ball area this accident could not and would not have happened.
Geoff
13th October 2010
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