Boy left hanging after jump from window goes horribly wrong

A 9-year-old boy is fighting for his life after an accident left him hanging unconscious from a window.

Police and ambulance services were called to Taradale Primary School in Napier yesterday just after 1pm.

The boy, who was found unconscious, was having trouble breathing when he was rushed to Hawkes Bay Hospital.

He was later flown to Auckland's Starship hospital in an induced coma and remained in a critical condition last night.

After initial investigations, police announced they were treating the incident as an accident.

They would not release specific details of what happened until the investigation was complete. However, people outside the school gate believed the boy had jumped out a window while playing. His shirt got caught in the window, leaving him hanging.

It was pretty terrifying . . . your mind starts to panic. My girls were pretty shaken up.

Mother of pupils

Parents were shocked when they were greeted by police at the school gate. Upset children walked out wondering what had happened to their friend and classmate.

One mother admitted she started to fret when she saw the police cars and tape across the entrance.

“It was pretty terrifying . . . your mind starts to panic,” she said. “My girls were pretty shaken up.”

Other parents described a very “sombre” school pick-up.

Principal Marty Hantz said the school was working closely with police and the Ministry of Education to determine what happened.

The school day continued as usual and parents were sent a letter about the incident.

Students were visibly shaken and specialist support was being offered to any pupils who were upset.

Some parents took to social media to pass on their love to the family. All were hoping for a speedy recovery for the youngster.