Man dies after 40ft fall from Plymouth tower block
A MAN who fell 40ft from a Plymouth block of flats onto a concrete has died, police said today.
His family has been informed.
The man suffered horrific injuries after falling 40ft from a block of flats onto a patio.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Tavy House, Duke Street, Devonport, at about 12.30pm yesterday.
About 10 police crews and an ambulance attended and cordoned off the area.
Sgt Alan Livingstone, from Devonport Police Station, was at the block of flats within minutes of the incident happening from another job.
Speaking at the scene, Sgt Livingstone said: "All we know at present is we were called to the building after hearing of the incident.
"The gentleman was on the floor with a number of injuries.
"Enquiries continue to how he got from the window to the floor.
"We haven't confirmed his identity yet. He fell from the back of the property on to the patio."
Paul Slater, a Herald photographer, was also at the scene at the time and saw the drama unfold.
He said: "I was doing a job in the Devonport area and I heard a noise that sounded like shouting.
"I got a bit concerned and a man came over from another flat who heard shouting as well.
"We separated and went round to the back of the building and the man called the ambulance.
"Within minutes a police officer was on the way and I flagged him over."
Devonport residents crowded around the building and came out of their homes, with many calling the emergency services.
One Devonport resident said: "There's been a lot of police here, a lot of officers. A few different people called for an ambulance."
Another resident added: "It was a nasty fall and a long way to go. I saw the police arriving and the ambulance. There's been a lot of commotion."
The man was taken to Derriford Hospital escorted by two police cars.
7 Comments
by blonde_ray
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 1:41AM
“iamajc
What a stupid comment "I would have thought that this was sort of self explanatory, If this is the sort of enquiries that our police are making then heaven help us."”
by soultoucher
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 6:11PM
“@unknown
It's clear from your (and charlie212) post that there is more on this story to come. Obviously you've both had a hugely stressful and shocking day, emotions are raw and it's easy to be over-sensitive to other posts that were obviously not meant to offend.
I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.”
by iamajc
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 5:28PM
“@Unkn0wn
It was a dig at the wording obviously,as it is obvious how he got from the window to the floor isn't it? He didn't use the lift.
Either he was pushed or he jumped or he slipped from the window which is what the police are investigating. They are investigating how he left the window not the journey from the window to the floor.”
by Unkn0wn
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 4:06PM
“@iamajc
Enquiries are being made into whether this was an accident. Heaven help you if you think it's not worth investigating.
Our thoughts are certainly with the family, and our thanks go to the emergency services for their quick response and for all they did for the gentleman and those involved.”
by Charlie212
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 3:49PM
“@soultoucher
It wasnt nice to be the first ones there, unfortunately somethings that have been put in this report are not correct.
Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”
by soultoucher
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 3:24PM
“Falling from 40ft onto concrete isn't like the movies, where the victim lays on the ground intact and looking pretty comfortable.
'the gentleman was on the floor with a number of injuries'
I wouldn't have liked to have been first there.
A horrible way for life to end. RIP.”
by iamajc
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 1:53PM
“"Enquiries continue to how he got from the window to the floor"
I would have thought that this was sort of self explanatory, If this is the sort of enquiries that our police are making then heaven help us.”