Highland Games freak accident: Man, 65, dies after 22-POUND HAMMER lands on his head at event
THE HAGUE, Netherlands: Open Highland Games turned into tragedy when a 65-year-old visitor was instantly killed by a 22-pound hammer that struck him in the head on Sunday, August 7. According to a report by The Sun, the ball crossed a wall and struck the man while he was strolling through the Geldrop Castle gardens in the southeast of the Netherlands, killing him instantly.
The throwing contest, which is a traditional feature of the ancient Scottish games, involves contestants throwing as far as they can with a 'hammer' they swing over their heads. The actual hammer, which is a hardwood shaft with a metal ball attached, weighs about 22 lbs for males and 16 lbs for women on average.
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Speaking about the incident, one witness told the local news outlet, Omroep Brabant, "The pendulum dropped, we saw the ball go over the hedge and then we heard a woman screaming very loudly. It wasn't a spectator ... so he didn't see the ball coming at all." Another witness also told to Omroep Brabant, "When things went wrong, some people from the organization immediately ran to the victim. They started CPR."
The event was abruptly suspended following the horrifying scenes that spectators witnessed. According to sources, the athlete who threw the fatal hammer was skilled and was a top player who had previously competed in significant championships.
"We are flabbergasted that something like this can happen," chairman of organizers Foundation Village Marketing Geldrop-Mierlo Adri Geerts told the local media. He added, "You don't expect it, it's the biggest disaster that can happen to all of us. We're devastated, he continued, "I felt super excited about the event and all the people who were there. that someone then dies due to an accident, that makes me super sad." Speaking about the performer who threw the metal ball in the game, Geerts said, "I haven't spoken to him myself, but he's completely beside himself, this should never have happened to him." He continued, "They are players who practice this game internationally at a high level and with a lot of experience and are extremely experienced, but then apparently an accident can happen." Also, Deputy Mayor Hans van de Laar stated, "We are all very affected by this terrible accident. Our condolences go out to the bereaved families."
While emergency authorities arrived on the site, event organizers attempted CPR on the victim, who was not publicly recognized, but they were unsuccessful. Then, the sporting event was canceled. The identity of the victim is yet to be known by the officials as the investigation is still ongoing.