Probe as toddler crushed by snowman (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Probe as toddler crushed by snowman

1:41pm Tuesday 9th February 2010

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An investigation is under way in an Austrian ski resort after a British toddler was crushed by a giant snowman, police have said.

The child, who was named as two-year-old Louis Nisbett-Vindal, struggled to breathe after the 10ft figure collapsed on him, the local tourist board said.

It took his parents, Yves Vindal and Michelle Nisbett, more than five minutes to rescue him with the help of volunteers, the Olympic Region of Seefeld tourist board director said.

Markus Tsehoner said: "The boy was trying to fix a broken hand on the snowman but the sun had been shining and the figure collapsed on top of him. It was a big accident that no-one could have foreseen. It was a big shock for everyone. He was pulled out but for some minutes it was a very dangerous situation."

Louis and his parents, from Chorleywood in Hertfordshire, were all crying during the incident on Sunday, he added.

"Everyone wanted to help but they had no tools to dig him out so they tried with their hands but no-one wanted to pull him in case they hurt him more," he said.

Louis was taken to the University Hospital in Innsbruck by helicopter where he was monitored.

A hospital spokesman said: "The boy was scared as it was a big snowman, but there were no real injuries and he was discharged."

Seefeld Police are investigating the incident and will decide in a few days whether to bring criminal charges, a spokesman said.

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