Cinema-goer dies after getting head trapped in reclining seat
A FILMGOER has died after a freak accident at a cinema when his head became wedged in the footrest of his luxury seat.
Paramedics had to be called after the customer dropped his mobile phone between the new Gold Class seats at the end of the film and became stuck when the folding footrest clamped down on his head as he bent down to pick it up.
The man suffered a cardiac arrest while his partner and staff at the cinema tried to free him.
Although the footrest was eventually broken off, the unidentified man sustained serious injuries and died on Friday, a week after the incident at Vue Cinema in Birmingham’s Star City leisure complex, near Aston. A source said: ‘The Gold Class seats are electric reclining seats. He bent down to look for his phone. At this point the leg-rest was in an upright position.
‘But as he stuck his head underneath to have a look, the footrest clamped down on to his head.
‘He was stuck and panicking. His partner and staff tried to free him but couldn’t.’
West Midlands ambulance service confirmed it was called to reports of a patient suffering from cardiac arrest. Crews were able to restart the man’s heart and he was taken to the city’s Heartlands Hospital. In a statement, Vue International said: ‘Following an incident which took place on Friday, March 9, at our Birmingham cinema, we can confirm that a customer was taken to hospital that evening.’
It added it was ‘saddened’ to learn of his death, and continued: ‘A full investigation into the nature of the incident is ongoing. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family who have our full support and assistance.’ Mark Croxford, head of environmental health at Birmingham City Council, said: ‘The city council’s environmental health team were notified of this incident and a health and safety investigation has begun. We are unable to comment further at this stage, as the investigation is ongoing.’
The cinema complex at Star City has 25 screens including three Gold Class screening rooms, where the emphasis is on comfort and luxury, featuring a bar and electric seats.
The company’s website says: ‘The Gold Class ticket price includes complimentary popcorn during your film and is strictly for over-18s, offering luxury seating with a fully licensed bar and an enhanced viewing experience.’