Terrified Anglesey girls plunge into collapsed grave

Oct 31 2007 by Carl Butler, Daily Post

TWO young girls had a terrifying experience after being trapped in an open grave in an Anglesey cemetery.

One was trapped under a heavy headstone and was rescued when passers-by heard her screams for help. The other girl was able to free herself.

The incident happened at St Seiriol’s cemetery in Holyhead last week when the grave collapsed in on itself leaving human remains in view.

Neil Davies of Holyhead said he was working on his car when he heard the girl screaming.

He rushed to the scene to find other passers-by trying to free the girl whose leg was trapped under the headstone.

He said: “The young girl kept screaming and screaming and when I heard her shout ‘it’s killing me’ that got my attention.

“There were two girls, they were both trapped but the littlest girl had got out and by the time I got there two people had lifted the headstone off.”

Neither of the girls, who have not been named, were badly hurt but were left shocked by the incident.

Now worried residents want urgent repairs carried out to prevent anyone else falling into an open grave.

They are especially concerned because the cemetery is so close to Holyhead High School.

Jim McBride, who lives nearby, said the cemetery is easily accessible and fears similar incidents could happen if nothing is done.

A Church in Wales spokesman said: “As soon as we were made aware of the incident the parish contracted to have remedial work carried out. Some other graves will also need to be repaired.

“The specialised equipment necessary has been ordered and the work is now in hand.

“Safety surveys of the churchyard are carried out regularly and the next one is imminent.”

He added the care and maintenance of churchyards is an “onerous and expensive one for parishes”.

“One problem with this particular churchyard is that it is used as a short-cut by children attending the nearby school.

“Unfortunately there is no practical way of keeping children out while at the same time allowing people to visit family graves,” he said.

erylcrump