Scots wheelchair user suffered ‘catastrophic injuries’ due to potholes terrified to leave home

A Scottish woman who uses a wheelchair has been left terrified to leave her home after suffering catastrophic injuries due to hitting a pothole. Leesa Mckay, a bilateral amputee, was crossing the road at East Lane in Paisley on November 29 during heavy rain when her wheelchair clipped a pothole filled with water.

The impact caused her to be flung out of her chair onto the road, with her right stump bearing the brunt of the fall. Leesa sustained multiple fractures and severe bleeding to her knee, requiring hospitalization for several days. Having already undergone amputations earlier in the year due to cardiovascular disease, the incident has further delayed her fitting of prosthetic legs by several months.

Leesa shared her harrowing experience, describing the excruciating pain and shock she felt during the accident. She expressed feeling traumatised and vulnerable, calling for repairs to potholes near dropped kerbs to ensure the safety of wheelchair users and pedestrians.

Despite the difficult year she has faced, Leesa is grateful for the kindness of strangers who came to her aid after the accident. She highlighted the support and assistance she received from members of the public and customers of a nearby pub, who helped comfort her and her daughter.

Renfrewshire Council responded to the incident, expressing regret over Leesa’s injuries and pledging to inspect and repair the pothole in question. They emphasized ongoing efforts to maintain roads and drains to prevent similar incidents, encouraging the public to report any issues for prompt resolution.

Leesa’s story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by wheelchair users and the importance of maintaining safe infrastructure for all pedestrians. Her courage in sharing her ordeal aims to raise awareness and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals in the community.