Dedham Boy Impaled While Trying To Jump A Fence

DEDHAM, MA - A 9-year-old Dedham boy who resides in the Avalon apartment building was trying to hop a metal fence when his leg was impaled.

The fence separates Elm Street from the Avalon apartments off Station Circle near Legacy Place.

Dedham Fire Department Deputy Chief Stephen Lynch said in an interview Wednesday night that the injury occurred at about 4:30 p.m.

"The fence encircles the entire apartment complex," he said. "It's metal with pointed metal slats that are about five inches apart."

The boy was trying to take a short cut home when his leg got caught in the fence, according to Lynch.

"The fence went right into his right quad," he said, noting that the section of the fence was about seven to eight inches long. "The fire crews had to cut the piece of fence down to secure it with him still stuck in it."

It took about 30 minutes to get the boy into the ambulance because pieces of the fence had to be removed so that he could fit onto the stretcher.

Lynch said he spoke to the EMT at the scene. The boy was being transported to Children's Hospital, where he currently is undergoing surgery to remove the fence and repair his injured leg.

"We couldn't just remove him from the fence," he continued. "If we hit the femoral artery, that would be even more dangerous."

Lynch said the boy's mother was on the scene as the boy was being taken into the ambulance.

"Fortunately, he didn't go into shock due to loss of blood," he said. "He was still conscious and alert and talking to us. For a 9-year-old kid, he is a very brave little boy."

The paramedics were able to administer pain medication on the scene while the fence was being cut.

Lynch thanked the crew of Engine 2 Ladder 1 for the way in which they handled the situation.

"They had to use the equipment that we usually use to cut through cars," he said.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.