Man rushed to hospital after ‘falling’ from Avoncliff Aqueduct into shallow water

A man was rushed to hospital after ‘falling’ from an aqueduct in Wiltshire.

Emergency services attended the serious incident at Avoncliff Aqueduct — located two miles west of Bradford on Avon and close to the Somerset border — on Friday 15 April.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance, two ambulances and a senior paramedic were sent to the scene shortly before 6pm, where they treated the casualty on an embankment.

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Shocked witnesses, who were sitting in the Cross Guns pub garden, said they were “surprised” the man was able to “crawl to the bank” following what was described as a “jump” into shallow water.

Alongside medics, specially trained rescue firefighters were tasked with the incident.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said it deployed three technical rescue teams from Trowbridge and Chippenham, alongside a fire crew from Calne, to the scene.

999 responders reportedly spent more than an hour stabilising and recovering the injured male, who was then rushed to the Royal United Hospital in Bath by land ambulance.

Due to the nature of the casualty’s injuries, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s critical care medics accompanied him to hospital in the ambulance.

Wiltshire Police said the incident was believed to be “mental health related”, and that officers were initially sent to a call regarding the “concern for the welfare of a man” at the location.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Contact the Samaritans in confidence and for free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, on 116 123. You can also visit our page of Mental Health Helplines to view a list of relevant organisations.

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