13-year-old airlifted to hospital after 20m jump from waterfall

  • Wales

A 13-year-old boy had to be airlifted to hospital after jumping 20 metres from a waterfall near Ponteddfechan in the Neath Valley.

The teenager suffered from suspected spinal and pelvic injuries after hitting the bed of the river when he entered the water.

Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team were called after 15:30 on Friday, 7 August and responded with four vehicles and 15 team members to Sgwd Gwladys.

The teenager suffered from suspected spinal and pelvic injuries. Credit: Western Brecon Mountain Rescue

The casualty is thought to have been "tombstoning" according to Mountain Rescue.

Team Leader Neil Butcher said: "Due to the casualties injuries and to save him a very painful carry out a coastguard rescue helicopter from St Athan was requested to winch him from the location".