Liverpool crane plunge survivor meets hero firefighters who saved him

Mar 17 2010 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

Crane meeting 300

Mr Gillham, paralysed from the waist down, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Southport Hospital.

His chances of survival were rated at just 30% after he sustained a fractured skull, two chest fractures, 11 spine fractures, a brain haemorrhage, a collapsed lung and serious crush injuries to his left shoulder and arm.

On Monday, he was at the Royal Liverpool Hospital for a meeting with a specialist about his recovery.

Firefighters who first found Mr Gillham as he lay in the stairway have previously told the ECHO how the experienced crane driver was immersed in debris when they found him.

Search and rescue teams battle to get through a hallway inside Chandlers Wharf in Wapping's Baltic Triangle

Search and rescue teams battle to get through a hallway inside Chandlers Wharf in Wapping's Baltic Triangle

Inside view of the destruction inside Chandlers Wharf in Wapping's Baltic Triangle

The crane's frame where it smashed into the building

Crane collapse in city centre Park lane

Crane collapse in city centre Park lane

Crane collapse in city centre Park lane

Crane collapse in city centre Park lane

Crane collapse in city centre Park lane

Crane collapse in city centre Park lane

Crane collapse in city centre Park lane

The chief fire officer’s commendation event recognises all those who have displayed acts of bravery to save the lives of others.

Assistant chief fire officer Bill Evans said: “It’s not often that crews meet the people they have rescued once an incident is concluded.

“I’m sure the crews were appreciative of Iain wanting to attend our commendation event.

“We are delighted he came along and wish him well with his continued recovery.”