Teenager Hospitalised Following 15ft Fall at Vacant Plymouth Department Store
Emergency services were dispatched to the derelict Debenhams building on Royal Parade in Plymouth at 5:35pm on Thursday, February 19, following reports that a teenage boy had fallen approximately 15 feet through a skylight. The 14-year-old local resident was climbing on or around the disused structure when the accident occurred, sustaining multiple injuries that are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
Emergency Response and Hospitalisation
The incident triggered a multi-agency response, with Devon and Cornwall Police confirming they were alerted by ambulance services. South Western Ambulance Service Trust NHS Foundation dispatched one double-crewed land ambulance to the scene, while Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sent three appliances and an aerial ladder platform. After locating the casualty on the third floor, he was transported by land ambulance to Derriford Hospital for treatment.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police stated: "The 14-year-old from Plymouth fell through a skylight at the now-closed Debenhams on Royal Parade. He sustained multiple injuries, none of which are described as life-changing or life-threatening."
Police Issue Stern Warning Against Urban Exploration
The accident has prompted authorities to issue a strong caution about the perils of accessing abandoned properties. Inspector Greg Bridgett emphasised the significant hazards associated with derelict locations, noting that the former department store has been vacant for an extended period and presents extreme dangers in certain areas.
"There are clear dangers and safety concerns associated with climbing on or around empty or derelict locations," Inspector Bridgett warned. "We would urge children not to be tempted by this dangerous pastime. We will take a robust approach towards any individuals found in derelict buildings and have been working with Plymouth City Council and building owners to tackle any issues around insecure properties."
History of Safety Concerns at the Vacant Site
The Royal Parade building has stood empty since Debenhams ceased operations in 2021, part of a nationwide closure that affected over 90 stores and resulted in approximately 12,000 job losses. This marked the end of more than two centuries of retail presence on British high streets.
Safety worries regarding the Plymouth location are not new. Just before Christmas, the vacant store was described as a "death trap" by local authorities, with reports from Plymouth Against Retail Crime indicating that intruders had been accessing the roof and navigating narrow ledges. Police previously noted that the structure, situated between New George Street and Royal Parade, poses serious risks and has attracted antisocial behaviour.
Urban Exploration Content Fuels Concerns
Adding to the apprehension, so-called 'urban explorers' have recently filmed and shared content from inside the building on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. This trend has raised alarms among law enforcement and community safety advocates, who stress that such activities not only endanger participants but also encourage others to engage in similarly risky behaviour.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers present in abandoned structures and underscores the importance of heeding official safety warnings. Authorities continue to monitor the site and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to prevent future occurrences.
