A woman who fell 30 feet through Central Pier onto the beach is still in hospital, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called and onlookers rushed to helped after a woman, in her 50s, appeared to fall through a section of the pier at around 4.30pm yesterday (6 August).
The pier was evacuated as a result of the incident and the extent of the woman’s injuries is not clear.
It is also not clear how the incident occurred but it has prompted questions over the safety of the pier. Blackpool Council confirmed to The Blackpool Lead that it is working with the Health & Safety Executive on an investigation and the pier is closed on a voluntary basis.
A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “ On Tuesday afternoon we were notified of an incident at Central Pier. An investigation is now underway and we have requested support from the Health and Safety Executive.
“At this time the pier is closed on a voluntarily basis.”
A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said: "We called to an incident at the pier after reports that a patient had fallen approximately 30 feet through the pier. We responded with an ambulance, a critical care paramedic team, an advanced paramedic, and an operational commander.
"A woman in her 50s received initial treatment for her injuries before being extricated and taken to the hospital."
The Blackpool Lead has contacted Blackpool Pier Company and the Health & Safety Executive for more information.
A spokesperson for Lancashire police said yesterday: "We have received a report of a woman having fallen through a section of the pier in Blackpool at around 4.30pm today.
“The woman has been taken to hospital with injuries. The pier is currently closed."
A spokesperson for the coastguard said: "At 16:33, the team was called out after an individual sustained injuries in a fall at central pier.
"The team supported North West Air Ambulance Charity paramedics who arrived by road from their base at Blackpool airport and Blackpool beach patrol, before extracting the casualty on our stretcher with the help of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (Official) to an ambulance where they were taken to the next level of care.
"The team also assisted in the evacuation of the pier and maintained a perimeter while the area was made safe before standing down at 18:45.
"We wish the person involved a speedy recovery."
There's lots of ways you can support our work as The Blackpool Lead, from a one-off donation, to a monthly payment through to shopping for The Lead branded merchandise too. It all helps support our independent, in-depth, journalism.
Our features, investigations and essays are available to subscribers first.
We want to back into journalism. Lend us a hand, and get our weekly newsletter and magazine editions in your inbox, for free.
