Man injured in axe battle at medieval fair re-enactment
A man, 21, was injured when an axe penetrated his helmet during a mock medieval battle in Sydney’s west today. Mitch Toohey, from Victoria, was taking part in a staged event as part of the Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair when the accident occurred.
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A 21-year-old man sustained head injuries after he was struck to the head with an axe during a “full-blown” medieval battle re-enactment in western Sydney.
Mitch Toohey from Ballarat in Victoria had been taking part in a team battle event at the Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair at Hawkesbury Showground when the accident occurred shortly before 11am.
Spectators at the Australian Medieval Combat Federation (AMCF) event had settled in to watch the five-on-five battle when Mr Toohey was struck.
His helmet took the brunt of the blow, with the axe penetrating the metal. The man suffered head lacerations.
Paramedics treated the man at the scene with the CareFlight rescue team also providing medical assistance before flying him to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.
A CareFlight spokesman said Mr Toohey was conscious while they were treating him.
“They were in a fully-fledged battle re-enactment when it happened,” he said.
“They were on foot, not on horses.
“He was conscious when we treated him as the helmet took the brunt of the blow.”
Earlier this year, Mr Toohey posted a plea on his Facebook page for any information about his stolen helmet.
“Just getting it out there but my helmet was recently stolen from my ute in Ballarat, Wendouree so if you see this helmet up for sale or anything like that please send screenshots or information about it,” he wrote.
“Also due to my weird shaped head it won’t even fit most peoples heads anyway so it’s relatively useless to anyone else.”
The AMCF said it had strict rules and regulations in place to minimise the risks of injury to the participants.
“All combat sport carries a risk of injury,” it said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, even the most stringent of safety measures cannot entirely remove the risk of injury.
“Thanks to the medical staff on site, and the State ambulance service, the fighter received immediate high quality medical care. The AMCF wishes the fighter a speedy recovery and our sincere thanks to all those involved in his care.”
The annual Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair runs today and tomorrow.
“From jousting, archery and combat to crafts, cooking and games, Winterfest offers entertainment to watch and activities to try. You can also browse the offerings of our carefully selected merchants. There’s something for all ages,” its website reveals.
Originally published as Man injured in axe battle at medieval fair re-enactment
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