Boy, 2, survives 15-storey tower block plunge in 'miraculous' escape

A toddler miraculously escaped what would have been a deadly 15-storey fall from a tower block thanks to a perfectly positioned shrub.

The unidentified youngster, aged just two, fell from the private balcony of a flat at a housing complex in White Oak, Maryland in the US on Thursday afternoon after spilling over its protective glass barrier. Adults were reportedly in the home when he fell from the 15th floor and onto a bush and pile of mulch in a playground below. Representatives from local Montgomery say that, while the foliage cushioned his fall, allowing him to escape with his life, he didn't do so unharmed.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service said he was rushed to hospital with a parent after suffering "traumatic" injuries, telling ABC News his size was likely behind his "miraculous" escape.

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Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief David Pazos said: "The child hit the bushes and landed in mulch, softening the impact." Montgomery County police spokesperson Shiera Goff added the youngster may not have survived the fall if he were any heavier, adding his "age and size and weight" played a crucial role.

She said: "His age and size and weight is really what helped, because if he had been any heavier, he may not have survived. I think it was a combination of those bushes being there, those shrubs, and his size and weight."

The boy was left with "multiple internal injuries" Lieutenant Rebecca Innocenti with Montgomery County police told local outlet WTOP, adding it was “a chaotic scene” when officers arrived. The Lieutenant added that she had spoken with a family member who was left "in disbelief" by the incident.

She said: "It was certainly scary for everyone, the family members. I was able to speak with one family member who … was in disbelief and trying to go through his mind about what occurred, how it occurred, and just kept saying that he was thankful that the child was not seriously injured."

The shock has spread across the community, with a local mum saying she was left "so scared" by the incident, adding during an interview with WJLA: "I was just thinking if it were my daughter, what will I do?"

Lieutenant Innocenti said it was "quite incredible that this child did not suffer any life threatening injuries" and cautioned people living in the flat complex not to keep their patio or low windows open during nice . She said doing so would potentially increase the risk of a child falling out.

She said: "I think it’s a good reminder for all of us, especially with these summer months, we do have our balcony doors … open and our windows, that we have to be mindful of the little ones that might not realize the danger that lurks below."

Police are yet to issue an update on the child's condition, but have launched an investigation into the incident.