Falling crossbar crushes boy's face

A mother is calling for Palmerston North City Council to take action after a falling football goal crossbar broke all but one bone in her son's face.

Robert Harvey was swinging upside down on a unsecured metal goal in Takaro Park on October 5 when the crossbar suddenly fell on him and pinned the side of his face to the ground, Fairfax Media reported.

The 15-year-old broke every bone in his face except his lower jaw, 13 fractures on the back of his skull, and bleeding in his brain.

His mother, Cherie Harvey, said it had been heart-wrenching to watch her son, who is still in Wellington Hospital, battle for his life. His condition was today described as stable

She said the council should ensure football goals were secured to the ground at all parks so other children did not end up like Robert.

"I don't want another mother to go through what I have been through," she said.

Palmerston North City Council is investigating the incident, and results are expected in two weeks.

Mayor Jono Naylor said the accident was an "unfortunate event".

"We're doing what we can to minimise the risk. Staff have gone down to the park to ensure other goalposts are safe."

He said the goal that fell on the teenager was not the council's responsibility as it was owned by Takaro Football Club.

Bob Patterson, acting chief executive of Central Football, which runs Takaro Football Club, said it was policy to make sure all goals were as secure as possible.

- NZPA