BBQ coals in sandpit cause burns

Calum Johnston will need reconstructive surgery

A schoolboy has suffered serious burns after jumping into an ash pit of burning barbecue coals which he had mistaken for a sandpit.

Calum Johnston, aged seven, will need reconstructive surgery after suffering burns to his feet and legs.

It happened after he ran into a pit which had been used to discard burning barbecue embers.

The incident happened at Pembrey Country Park in Llanelli and an investigation has been launched.

His feet were immediately red and blistered because the coals were so hot Claire Johnston, mother

Calum, who is from Llanelli, had gone to the country park with his family but another family who had been at the beauty spot before them had thrown the hot coals of their barbecue into the pit.

His family said that Calum ran into the pit, suffering severe burns to both legs.

His mother, Claire, 39 said: "When we arrived Calum got out of the car and ran towards what he thought was a sandpit.

"I heard a scream and saw him jumping out - his feet were immediately red and blistered because the coals were so hot."

Calum had to spend three days in a special burns unit and remains in bandages. He will have to have reconstructive surgery on the limbs affected.

The park has launched an investigation into the accident. Manager Neil Perry said: "Our advice is to allow charcoals to cool before disposing of them. But visitors can leave disposable barbecues for park staff to collect."