Girl Died After Being Trapped In Automatic Gate

05/07/2010

The grieving family of a five-year-old girl who died after becoming trapped in an automatic sliding gate have paid tribute to "our little angel,".

She was named as Karolina Maria Golabek, of Bridgend, South Wales, in the brief statement.

The accident happened on Saturday afternoon at the entrance to the Brook Court flats complex in Bridgend.

The little girl was taken to the town's Princess of Wales Hospital, where she later died.

"Our little angel, Karolina Maria Golabek, tragically left us on Saturday 3 July 2010," the statement, issued by South Wales Police, said.

"She was a very happy, fun-loving daughter. She loved animals, drawing pictures and enjoyed picking flowers for us, her loving parents and brother.

"Her parents and her brother would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support at this very difficult time.

"We would like to request that we be left in peace at this tragic time.

"She will be deeply missed."

South Wales Police and the Health and Safety Executive are working closely together to conduct a thorough and full investigation.

A file is being prepared for the Coroner.

Copyright © Press Association 2010

Jo Darlington from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “This tragic case illustrates the dangers of moving security gates without sensitive movement sensors which can prove hazardous in the extreme. This is the second case of a child being fatally wounded in the space of a week in similar circumstances. We await the outcome of the HSE & police investigations – hopefully there will be lessons that come out of this sad case that can stop this ever happening again."