A 9-year-old child was seriously hurt Wednesday after falling from a third-story window at a home on Phillips Road in Hanson, prompting a rapid response from local emergency crews and a medical helicopter flight to a Boston-area trauma center. Police arrived at the home around 12:34 p.m. and found the child suffering from serious injuries, according to WHDH. The child was first taken by ambulance to a designated landing zone, then airlifted to the trauma facility. The specific circumstances of the fall remain under active investigation.
Window Falls Are a Preventable Hazard
Unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injury for children in the United States, and window falls send thousands of kids to emergency rooms every year. Safe Kids Worldwide urges families to install approved window guards or stops, keep furniture away from windows, and avoid relying on screens to keep children safe. Research has shown that targeted window-guard programs paired with public education can significantly cut these incidents, according to the World Report on Child Injury Prevention.
Investigation Continues in Hanson
So far, Hanson police and emergency officials have not released further information about what led to the fall, and the child’s current condition has not been made public. As WHDH reports, investigators are still working to piece together exactly how the incident occurred.
How Families Can Reduce Risk
Safety experts recommend moving beds, dressers, and other climbable furniture away from windows, using window guards or stops that limit openings to four inches, and securing or removing blind cords that curious kids can grab. More detailed checklists and tips are available from Safe Kids Worldwide. Residents worried about whether rental units meet basic safety standards are advised to contact their town building department or their landlord to address proper window guards and maintenance.
