Motorcyclist Greg Burkett lucky to be alive after death-trap wire strung across road almost cut his head off
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Greg Burkett recovering after being garroted by a wire while riding his motor bike. Source: News Limited
A MAN is lucky to be alive after riding his high-powered motorbike into wire death trap that had been strung across the road on NSW's Central Coast.
Wyoming's Greg Burkett, 24, spent three days in hospital and needed 23 stitches to a neck wound after the night time incident last Sunday on Mangrove Rd, Narara.
Mr Burkett said the wire snapped on impact but whipped itself around his neck.
He was thrown backwards but was able to stop his bike by grabbing onto the handlebars.
Fearing he would choke to death, Mr Burkett ripped off his helmet and desperately unwrapped the wire before seeking help at the home of a nearby family friend.
He was later taken to Gosford Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
"I am deadset lucky to be alive," Mr Burkett said.
"I was literally choking to death."
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Greg Burkett spent three days in hospital and needed 23 stitches in a neck wound after he ran into a wire someone had strung up across Mangrove Rd. Source: Supplied
Mr Burkett said friends travelling ahead of him in a car told him later they felt something scrape the top part of their vehicle as they drove down Mangrove Rd but didn't know what it was.
The matter was reported to police who are investigating.
"Police told me they thought it was probably the work of kids," Mr Burkett said.
"But there was a definite intent.
"Whoever it was, I want them to see what they have done and to realise their stupid act could have killed someone."
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:icon_eek: ... Wow that's hectic bad! ... He is a lucky lad indeed!
... Don't reckon it's aimed at 'him' though .... More like at the wider collection of bikes and err 'hoon' cars that use that road often as their 'fun' strip? ... I don't live local to that ... But I have been through it a few times.... Often a lot of burnout marks and doughies and 'race the mate' going on I suspect.... Some of the locals likely have got sick of it and decided to send a message?? ..
Wrong way to do it.... And this is only my view of it.... I wouldn't be surprised if it might happen again though... :icon_rolleyes: :dunno_black:
Stick a few wildlife cameras in the area.
Ride carefully
When you find a wire again (probably will but I hope not), get the camera and look at the evidence.
I guess if riding that area again, a neck brace/guard would be necessary.
Scary.
He stayed upright after that ?
That is crazy but he had some luck on his side all teh way across.
Cool.
Buddha.
This happens in the movie The Counselor (or at least in the trailer) and ever since I saw it I was worried about it happening in real life. Crazy stuff, but I'm glad he survived.
If the police do find them (which they won't) they should be tried for attempted murder. What a stupid and terrible thing to do. I've heard it happens on offroad trails quite a bit more frequently too.
Here in AZ some trails were sabotaged by ranchers with barbed wire in similar fashion. After a couple assault and manslaughter charges they seemed to stop.
It seems you can't kill people that ride on your property. Who woulda thunk it?
also have to "warn" trespassers. for liabilities sake.
I've even heard of it happening in national parks here in Aus. In my opinion assault and manslaughter aren't a heavy enough penalty for doing that. There is intent to kill or maim. If somebody did die from it they should be tried for murder, as what other purpose was there for rigging that wire up in the first place?
You can't have booby traps in your yard. Well you can, but if somebody jumps your fence and gets their leg cut off you are in big trouble. Courts here frown upon setting traps intended on maiming or killing people -even if they are trespassing.
Putting up wire intended to cut off the head of a cyclist shows some people have very little regard for life.