Narrow escape for K&A Canal boating holidaymaker

A boater escaped with only minor injuries when a tree fell on him while he was operating a lock on the Widcombe Flight in Bath on the Kennet & Avon Canal at noon yesterday (Monday 13 June 2011).

Paramedics and Avon Fire and rescue were called to the scene where they found a 71-year-old man trapped under the tree.  

The trunk of what is described as a 'substantial' tree narrowly missed him and he was pinned down by outer branches of the tree. He was treated for back and rib injuries at the scene and then taken to Bath Royal United Hospital for further treatment.

K&A Canal re-opened after fallen tree blocks navigation

Boats could not navigate through the Bath Valley on the Kennet & Avon Canal for much of today (Tuesday 24 May 2011) because of a tree that had fallen across the canal near Claverton. 
     British Waterways contactors were called in and they quickly dealt with the problem. The canal was re-opened by late afternoon. 
Pictures by Bob Naylor©