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Gourock couple calls for investigation following near-fatal fall

Ben Walsh's terrifying experience after a railing collapse has prompted safety concerns in Gourock.

August 5, 2025 at 02:44 AM
blur Couple 'absolutely traumatised' after stopping for romantic photo by seaside

Ben Walsh and Laura Taylor are calling for an investigation after a near-fatal incident in Gourock.

Couple faces trauma after railing collapse during seaside photo shoot

Ben Walsh and Laura Taylor found themselves in a terrifying situation while taking a romantic photo in Gourock, Inverclyde. The couple experienced a crisis when the railing they leaned against collapsed, causing Ben to dangle dangerously over a 15-foot drop. Thankfully, he was rescued by his family and two bystanders. Afterward, Walsh expressed deep concerns over safety, particularly since he noticed recent welding on the collapsed railing. Following their incident, local authorities initiated inspections and repairs for the seafront railings in Gourock.

Key Takeaways

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The railing collapse nearly led to a tragedy for Ben and Laura.
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Walsh highlights a potential safety risk regarding public barriers.
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The council has begun inspections of seafront railings after the incident.
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Walsh's background in health and safety raises serious concerns about the accident.
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The incident occurred while the couple was on a scenic trip in Scotland.
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Public awareness about railing safety is crucial to prevent future accidents.

"I couldn't sleep that night from going over it all in my head."

Ben Walsh discusses the psychological impact of the incident.

"We were all absolutely traumatised by it."

Walsh shares the emotional state of everyone involved during the incident.

"All I ask is that people are careful when they are posing for photographs this summer in similar locations."

Walsh emphasizes the need for caution around public safety.

"A review is currently under way to determine the cause of the issue at this location."

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson addresses the ongoing investigation.

This incident raises critical issues about public safety and infrastructure maintenance. Walsh's experience underlines a broader concern about the condition of public barriers across the country, especially in tourist-friendly areas. As communities prepare for a surge in visitors during the summer, proper maintenance and safety checks should be a priority. Without sufficient oversight, similar accidents could result in severe injuries, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

Highlights

  • It could have easily been an elderly person or a child who fell instead.
  • This proves it can happen even with rails meant for safety.
  • What concerns me the most is that the railing seemed recently repaired.
  • I'm terrified at how close I came to death that day.

Concerns over public safety arise from railing collapse

Walsh's near-fatal fall highlights significant safety risks related to infrastructure maintenance and public barriers. His call for an official investigation raises concerns about the adequacy of safety standards, especially for tourist areas.

The call for safer public spaces must be heard to protect all visitors.

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