Teen in coma after scaffolding accident on Fife housing project

A 16-year-old worker remains in a coma after being struck by scaffolding material at a housing block in Kirkcaldy, with police and safety regulators now investigating the incident.

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A teenager remains in a coma after being seriously injured by falling scaffolding material while working at a housing block in Kirkcaldy.

Brodie Thomson, 16, suffered a severe head injury during the incident at Park View on Tuesday 10 March. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 11.30am and the teenager was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for specialist treatment.

He is currently being treated in hospital, where doctors have removed him from a ventilator but say he has not yet regained consciousness.

A family friend who has launched an online fundraiser to support Thomson and his family said the situation remains uncertain.

“He was in an induced coma until yesterday, but he’s now off the ventilator and breathing by himself, which is positive,” said Lee Combe.

“However, he still remains in a coma and he’s not woken up or responding yet. Everything is uncertain at the moment and they don’t know how bad the head injury is right now.”

It is understood Thomson had recently begun working for his father’s fabrication business and was on site at the time of the incident.

Reports suggest he had just returned from a lunch break when he was struck by scaffolding material being dismantled nearby.

Police Scotland confirmed officers were called to the incident and enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesperson said: “Around 11.30am on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, we were made aware of a 16-year-old male having been injured by scaffolding on Park View in Kirkcaldy. Emergency services attended and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and the Health and Safety Executive has been made aware.”

Fife Council confirmed that a contractor had been carrying out external wall insulation works on the housing block on behalf of the council, with scaffolding subcontracted to a local scaffolding firm.

John Mills, the council’s head of housing, said: “We’re aware of the incident at Park View, Kirkcaldy, and will assist partners with their enquiries. Our thoughts are with the young man directly affected by the incident.”

The Health and Safety Executive said it is aware of the incident and is liaising with Police Scotland.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help support Thomson and his family while he remains in hospital.

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