Youths’ hijinks trigger slide

Press, 20 November 1989, Page 1

Youths’ hijinks trigger slide

By BARRY CLARKE Skylarking youths triggered a rock slide which badly injured two Christchurch potholers on the slopes of Castle Hill during the week-end. Ken Macey, aged 23, and Stephen Richardson, aged 15, were knocked unconscious and suffered multiple injuries when they were struck by boulders during a church youth group outing on Saturday. They were flown by helicopter to Christchurch Hospital, where their condition was described as comfortable last evening. The incident happened about 2 p.m. when the pair, and another two men, were walking up a slope to Join the rest of the Spreydon Baptist Church group which had already reached the top, said the team leader, Mr John Harrington, last evening. Several members of .the group had been throwing stones and rocks into a river and down the slope, he said. “They weren’t aware they were down there. They couldn’t be seen,” he said. One threw rocks down the slope which had triggered the boulders. None of the youths had been reprimanded, he said.

“No-one’s been rapped over the knuckles. The guys know what happened. There was nothing that could be done about it. It’s Just one of those things ... adventurous youth. Some got carried away,” said Mr Harrington. Mr Nathan Frost, one of six leaders, who was with Mr Macey, also a leader, and Stephen Richardson, came close to being struck himself. “A couple of rocks came hurtling down the cliff. I managed to dodge one, but it collected Steve. He was about five feet below me,” he said.

“I yelled out* but areally it Whs uncontrollable. The other guy (Mr Macey) came rolling down the path pretty fast, clinging to a bouldef. “Steve was knocked out So was Ken. He came to fairly quick but he was in quite bad shock. I clicked into a calm mode and yelled out help.” The Injured pair were lying on a ledge. Stephen Richardson was unconscious for about five minutes, while Mr Macey was secured with a rope after complaining of back trouble.

Neither were wearing helmets.

The Trust Bank rescue helicopter used a basket and strop to lift both from the ledge to a flat area. They were treated on the spot by paramedics. Mr Macey was taken to hospital first, while another helicopter, was called to transport the younger victim. ;