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Cave roof collapse kills teenager Cave roof collapse kills teenager
(40 minutes later)
A 16-year-old boy was killed and a teenager was hurt when a cave roof partially collapsed in Shropshire.A 16-year-old boy was killed and a teenager was hurt when a cave roof partially collapsed in Shropshire.
Rocks and rubble fell on a group of teenagers camping at the Hermitage Caves near Bridgnorth overnight, West Mercia Police said. Rocks and rubble fell on a group of teenagers camping at the Hermitage Caves, off Lodge Lane, Bridgnorth, overnight, West Mercia Police said.
Aiden Peter Brookes, of Bridgnorth, died in the collapse early on Monday.Aiden Peter Brookes, of Bridgnorth, died in the collapse early on Monday.
An 18-year-old girl was taken to hospital with back injuries. She was described as stable and her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.An 18-year-old girl was taken to hospital with back injuries. She was described as stable and her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Residents said they thought up to 30 teenagers, aged between 15 and 19, had been at the cave. Police said it was believed that a group of youngsters had lit a fire while camping in the sandstone cave.
They also said there is a nearby warning sign urging people to keep out. 'Tragic accident'
Police said it appeared to be a tragic accident
It is believed the teenagers had lit a fire in the sandstone caves, off Lodge Lane to the east of Bridgnorth.
A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "At this stage we are trying to establish exactly what happened but it seems that a quantity of rocks and rubble fell on those inside when part of the cave collapsed.A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "At this stage we are trying to establish exactly what happened but it seems that a quantity of rocks and rubble fell on those inside when part of the cave collapsed.
"It appears to be a tragic accident.""It appears to be a tragic accident."
Two ambulances were called to the caves at about 0215 BST to treat the boy who was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital, in Telford. The spokesman added: "Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service dealt with a small fire inside the cave."
An ambulance spokesman said: "Despite the best efforts of ambulance and hospital staff, it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival." West Midlands Ambulance Service said the boy had gone into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing after the rock-fall.
The South Shropshire Coroner Anthony Sibcy and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed of the boy's death. Police said it appeared to be a tragic accident
'Quite shocking' Michelle Brotherton, the service's divisional commander for Shropshire, said a crew arrived at the scene eight minutes after the initial 999 call, which was made from a mobile phone.
Paramedics immediately took over attempts to resuscitate Aiden from his friends, who had been given instructions by an ambulance service operator.
The teenager later died at the Princess Royal Hospital, in Telford.
A post-mortem examination has been held and the South Shropshire Coroner is expected to open an inquest later this week, police said.
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.
A Facebook page set up in tribute to Aiden has already attracted more than 150 members.
The teenager had been a pupil at Oldbury Wells School in Bridgnorth.
'Sadly missed'
Head teacher Sarah Godden described Aiden as an "excellent" student.
She said he was "popular with staff and pupils" and would be "sadly missed".
The caves are located to the east of Bridgnorth in Shropshire
The head teacher added: "Our thoughts are with Aiden's family and friends and everyone connected with the incident at this very difficult time."
Five friends of the dead teenager visited the caves to lay flowers.
One teenager said Aiden's wide circle of friends were all "absolutely gutted" to have lost someone who brought a smile to everybody.
He said: "He (Aiden) loved his rugby and he was a lovely lad. He will be hugely missed - he was funny and always made everyone laugh."
Tim Ball, who lives nearby in Lodge Lane, said he used to spend hours playing in the caves as a child, where people sometimes lit fires, but he never worried about his safety at the time.Tim Ball, who lives nearby in Lodge Lane, said he used to spend hours playing in the caves as a child, where people sometimes lit fires, but he never worried about his safety at the time.
Mr Ball, 38, said: "There have been cave-ins recently because of the tree roots coming through the rock.Mr Ball, 38, said: "There have been cave-ins recently because of the tree roots coming through the rock.
"The roots are pushing the sandstone down. "The roots are pushing the sandstone down."
"It's the first time I have ever heard of anybody being killed and it's quite shocking."
Another resident, Matthew Winwood, said he often saw people in and out of the caves, having parties and lighting fires.Another resident, Matthew Winwood, said he often saw people in and out of the caves, having parties and lighting fires.
"It's a dangerous place," he said."It's a dangerous place," he said.
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Police at the scene of the fatal cave roof collapsePolice at the scene of the fatal cave roof collapse