15/10/2010 - Builder loses arm in work accident
A builder working at a primary school has had his arm ripped off at the shoulder in an accident involving a cement mixer.
The man, who is believed to be in his 20s, got his hand caught in the machinery and will now undergo surgery to treat his wounds. The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation.
Schoolchildren had to be kept away from the scene of the accident at St Bernadette's Primary School in Ballymurphy, west Belfast. Pupils were preparing to go home when the accident happened, but staff ushered them into an assembly hall to prevent them from witnessing the accident.
Principal Celia O'Reilly described the incident as "traumatic" for the children.
She said: "They realised something was happening but we wanted to save them from any trauma. At the time there were no children in the yard, which was fortunate. It could have happened at lunchtime or at break. We are having an assembly this morning and will pray for the young man and his family."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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