http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Skydiver-hooks-rugby-post-20100516
Nicolize van der Walt, Beeld
Klerksdorp - An experienced Johannesburg skydiver had a nightmarish experience on Saturday when his parachute hooked onto a rugby post before he fell 10m to the ground at Wesvalia High School, in front of thousands of spectators.
Johan Grobler is being treated in the intensive care unit at Wilmed Park private hospital, after he broke his femur, left upper arm and wrist and fractured his pelvis. He is currently under strong sedation.
The accident happened just before the rugby match between the first teams of Wesvalia and Klerksdorp High Schools.
Grobler presumably made an error of judgement when he underestimated the turbulence.
His parachute hooked onto the rugby post, bending it before his parachute broke loose and Grobler fell to the ground.
His co-jumper, Marietjie du Plessis, said she couldn't see what was going on from the air.
"At first all I saw the bent post. Then I saw the ambulance and the people standing around him. I had a huge fright, but the bystanders assured me he was okay.
"They said they were praying for him."
After Grobler was taken to hospital, teachers and parents battled to bend the rugby post straight again before the kick-off of the FNB Classic Clash, which is one of the biggest rugby events in Klerksdorp.
"We're sorry it had to happen at a school, but luckily it wasn't close to the spectators. We're very grateful that Johan (Grobler) didn't sustain any head injuries. He's an experienced skydiver," said Graham Field, the operator who was in charge of the jump.
According to him, the jump was carefully planned. It was also an official jump for which a permit is issued.
Du Plessis asked spectators with video footage or photographs of the incident to send it to [email protected]. The images might help to determine the cause of the accident.
Nicolize van der Walt, Beeld
Klerksdorp - An experienced Johannesburg skydiver had a nightmarish experience on Saturday when his parachute hooked onto a rugby post before he fell 10m to the ground at Wesvalia High School, in front of thousands of spectators.
Johan Grobler is being treated in the intensive care unit at Wilmed Park private hospital, after he broke his femur, left upper arm and wrist and fractured his pelvis. He is currently under strong sedation.
The accident happened just before the rugby match between the first teams of Wesvalia and Klerksdorp High Schools.
Grobler presumably made an error of judgement when he underestimated the turbulence.
His parachute hooked onto the rugby post, bending it before his parachute broke loose and Grobler fell to the ground.
His co-jumper, Marietjie du Plessis, said she couldn't see what was going on from the air.
"At first all I saw the bent post. Then I saw the ambulance and the people standing around him. I had a huge fright, but the bystanders assured me he was okay.
"They said they were praying for him."
After Grobler was taken to hospital, teachers and parents battled to bend the rugby post straight again before the kick-off of the FNB Classic Clash, which is one of the biggest rugby events in Klerksdorp.
"We're sorry it had to happen at a school, but luckily it wasn't close to the spectators. We're very grateful that Johan (Grobler) didn't sustain any head injuries. He's an experienced skydiver," said Graham Field, the operator who was in charge of the jump.
According to him, the jump was carefully planned. It was also an official jump for which a permit is issued.
Du Plessis asked spectators with video footage or photographs of the incident to send it to [email protected]. The images might help to determine the cause of the accident.