Woman has lucky escape after swan smashes through bathroom window
‘I have been an RSPCA inspector for 40 years and have never seen this,’ says charity official
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It looks like a visit from Air Force Swan.
An elderly woman narrowly avoided serious injury when a massive bird crashed through her double-glazed window seconds after she had been standing in front of it.
The swan sent shards of glass exploding across the bathroom after smashing into a chalet building in the Nottinghamshire village of Barton-in-Fabis.
RSPCA inspectors called to the scene said they had never known of such a bird flying through a closed window before.
Keith Ellis, from the charity, said: “The lady was so lucky when this happened as she had just been in the bathroom.
"Had she still been there when this swan crashed through the window I am sure the glass shattering and the impact of the bird hitting her would have caused serious injury, or even worse.
“I think the swan was looking and flying to the nearby River Trent and must have misjudged the direction. It was also quite windy at the time which may have blown her off course.”
He added: “I have been an RSPCA inspector for 40 years and have never seen a swan crash through a window.
“I have seen them crash-land onto busy roads thinking they are rivers – but nothing like this – it is so bizarre."
The dazed and bloodied animal was taken to a vet where she spent over one hour in surgery before being transferred to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire, where she will continue to be treated for her wounds.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments