A ROOKIE parachutist came down to earth with a bump when he was blown off course during his first jump.
The unnamed 17-year-old landed on the roof of a factory, then fell 30ft on to tarmac, as the descent ended in near-disaster.
He suffered injuries to his back and an ankle, though neither injury was thought to be serious. He was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool for treatment.
The accident happened yesterday morning when the teenager, from the Monkwearmouth area of Sunderland, made his maiden jump after training with the Sunderland Parachute Club, at the Peterlee Parachute Centre, Shotton Airfield, County Durham.
He was blown off course by gusting winds and landed on the roof of the Glider Roll sliding door factory, on Peterlee's North-West Industrial Estate.
"The young man had been on a two-day course and was making his first jump when the accident occurred," said a Durham Police spokesman.
He said the club was sending a report on the incident to the British Parachute Association.
Inspector Vince Addison, of Peterlee police, said the teenager was conscious when paramedics arrived.
No one was available for comment last night at the centre, which is popular with people making parachute jumps for charity.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article