Steeplejack falls from York Minster

12:27pm Wednesday 29th October 2008

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A STEEPLEJACK fell more than 30 feet to the ground today while he was abseiling inside York Minster.

The man was involved in hanging the biggest single graphic ever printed when the accident happened at just after 11.30am today.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service said its rapid response team had been sent to the scene and teams of officers from North Yorkshire Police were also in attendance.

A spokesman for the Minster said the steeplejack fell and hit his head on the floor and was conscious but in considerable pain. He said a full investigation would now be carried out to find out how it happened.

He said: "We are deeply and sorry and saddened that something like this has happened.

"Our first concerns are obviously with the individual concerned, but as soon as he gets the medical attention he needs, we will be holding a thorough check to how and why this happened."

The steeplejack been erecting a graphic 100 metres high, measuring 14 by 27 metres - about the size of a tennis court - intended to display a replica of the Great East Window, while it is being restored.

The print is being hung from scaffolding covering the window.

While stretching the fabric, the steeplejack fell.

The spokesman said his fall would have been slightly restrained by the safety harness he was wearing.

The part of the Minster where the Great East Window lies will be shut off to members of the public until later this afternoon.

Photographer David Harrison, who was covering the hanging of the print, said: "There were three professional steeplejacks up there.

"They had hung the graphic and were lowering down, when the one in the middle - who was about two thirds of the way down -inexplicably crashed to the ground with a bang right in front of me.

"He was conscious afterwards, but in considerable pain."

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said the man's injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

She said: "We received a call at 11.35am, to go to the South Transept of York Minster.

"The call that came in was classified as a fall.

"We sent one rapid response vehicle and an emergency ambulance.

"A male patient, who is in his 30s, was taken to York District Hospital."