A 15-year-old has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after an art display at his school allegedly fell on him.
Morgan Durant was airlifted to the major trauma unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth after the art block fell on him as he waited to go into class last Tuesday.
The Year 11 pupil at Penrice Academy in St Austell, Cornwall sustained a broken and dislocated right leg and a fractured left leg.
Doctors said the injuries Morgan sustained in the incident were comparable to those suffered in a head-on car crash.
Morgan Durant was airlifted to the major trauma unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth
The Year 11 pupil at Penrice Academy in St Austell, Cornwall sustained a broken and dislocated right leg and a fractured left leg
Morgan’s father said a number of free-standing display boards fell on his son while he was waiting to go into his lesson
Morgan underwent surgery to put his dislocated knee back into place and a surgeon fitted his leg with a plate to keep it stable. His left leg has also been put in a cast.
Doctors at the hospital told Morgan’s parents Rob and Jo they had never seen a break like the one he suffered.
It is understood another pupil sustained a fractured wrist during the incident.
Morgan’s father said a number of free-standing display boards fell on his son while he was waiting to go into his lesson.
He said it was not clear exactly what had happened as Morgan had been sedated due to the pain.
Morgan underwent surgery to put his dislocated knee back into place and a surgeon fitted his leg with a plate to keep it stable
Doctors said the injuries Morgan sustained in the incident were comparable to those suffered in a head-on car crash
Morgan Durant pictured at home after being hit by the falling art display
Headteacher of Penrice Richard Baker told him the school had asked for the Health and Safety Executive to conduct an investigation.
Mr Durant said: ‘Morgan was flown directly to Derriford Hospital.
‘We were told this was because there were long delays at Treliske and he would need surgery.
‘His mum, Jo, went to Derriford immediately and she has stayed with him.
‘We now know that he has a compound fracture above his knee. His knee was dislocated and he has ligament damage.
‘He has had a plate inserted the length of his femur.
‘There appears to be ligament damage to both ankles but the doctors are waiting for the swelling to go down before investigating further.
‘The doctor said his injuries were akin to someone who had been hit by a car.
‘Mr Baker phoned me from Penrice to express his concern and ask how Morgan was.
‘He did not know exactly what had happened and would wait until the HSE reported.’
Penrice Academy has been approached for comment.