Park fall girl remains 'critical'

The girl remains in a critical condition at Dumfries Infirmary

A 15-year-old girl remains in a critical condition in hospital after falling 30ft (9m) onto rocks at a waterfall in Dumfries and Galloway.

The teenager was in a group from Carlisle taking part in a pool jumping activity at the Galloway Forest Park near Newton Stewart on Tuesday.

She suffered serious injuries to her face and body in the incident.

The Abernethy Trust, which organised the activity, has expressed its shock at the "terrible accident".

The girl was part of a group of young people which, along with two instructors, was taking part in pool jumping at a waterfall in the woodland.

The circumstances of the accident are being investigated by the appropriate authorities and the trust is, of course, co-operating fully with that investigation Abernethy Trust statement

"Everyone at the Abernethy Trust is shocked and saddened by yesterday's terrible accident," said a written statement from the trust.

The statement confirmed the accident had taken place during the pool jumping which is one of the established activities at the centre.

"The circumstances of the accident are being investigated by the appropriate authorities and the trust is, of course, co-operating fully with that investigation," the statement added.

"It would be quite wrong to comment on the specific circumstances of the accident pending that investigation.

"We have contacted the parents of all the young people who are attending the adventure holiday at Barcaple to inform them of the accident.

"Having done this and with the support of these parents we are continuing with the camp."

Police investigation

Inspector Stephen Stiff of Dumfries and Galloway Police confirmed it had sent a team of six officers to the scene of the accident.

"A 15-year-old girl had been about to jump from the highest rock, an estimated distance of 35ft, when she appeared to have second thoughts and attempted to turn back," he said.

"The girl lost her footing and fell onto rocks below.

A helicopter from HMS Gannet winched the girl from the scene

"Police are currently investigating the full circumstances surrounding the accident in conjunction with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and the local authority."

Galloway Mountain Rescue Team (GMRT) helped ambulance paramedics at the scene and co-ordinated work with a Royal Navy helicopter from HMS Gannet.

It was decided to winch the teenager on a stretcher from the scene.

GMRT chairman Iain Howie said: "This incident highlighted the benefits of our automated callout system which hastened the arrival of the first three members on scene.

"We train regularly with the other emergency services and although this type of incident is rare, we have the capability and technical expertise to provide a safe, swift evacuation of a casualty in these circumstances."

'Critical injuries'

A spokesman for NHS Dumfries and Galloway confirmed that the girl was still receiving treatment.

"I confirm that a 15-year-old girl was airlifted to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary from the Galloway area on Tuesday evening and admitted for treatment to critical injuries," he said.

"In accordance with the family's wishes, no further information will be issued at this time.

"We would ask that the media respect the family's desire for privacy."