Tragedy Strikes Prestigious Millfield School
A 14-year-old student, described by friends and teachers as “bright” and “athletic,” is in critical condition after a horrific accident involving high-voltage overhead cables at Millfield School, a prestigious £58,000-a-year boarding institution located in Street, Somerset.
The student, Chase Allen, along with two other boys aged 13 and 14, was reportedly electrocuted after coming into contact with live overhead electrical wires on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The group was on or near school grounds when the incident occurred, prompting a rapid response from emergency services, including paramedics, police, fire crews, and an air ambulance.
All three boys were rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery. But Chase’s injuries are said to be the most severe—suffering extensive burns, damage to internal organs, and reportedly losing multiple toes due to the extent of the burns.
Read the full incident report via Evening Standard
The school community and the nation are in shock. Known for its elite reputation and notable alumni, Millfield is now the focus of intense scrutiny and investigation as questions mount over how such a catastrophic incident could happen on—or near—a monitored educational facility.
The Incident: What Happened Near Millfield School?
The details of the accident are still under investigation, but according to early reports, the three boys were near a location that included high-voltage overhead electrical cables. It’s not yet clear how or why they came into contact with them.
Emergency services were dispatched immediately. Witnesses reported multiple emergency vehicles, including a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), rapidly arriving at the scene. The air ambulance was seen taking one of the boys to a nearby specialist burns unit.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has now launched a formal investigation, working alongside local police and the school’s administration. In an initial letter to parents, Millfield Headmaster Gavin Horgan confirmed that “a serious incident occurred” and that all three boys “underwent surgery” following contact with “overhead electrical cables.”
For official HSE safety protocols on overhead cable hazards, visit the UK HSE website
One of the major concerns is how close the students were able to get to the cables—especially on or around school property, where children’s safety should be paramount. The area is now cordoned off and will remain under review until full safety assurances are given.
Meanwhile, rumors have circulated about the boys attempting to retrieve an object or exploring restricted grounds, but these remain unconfirmed by authorities.
Who Is Chase Allen? A Talented and Energetic Teen
Chase Allen has been described by those who know him as a dedicated, gifted, and joyful young man with a promising future. Active in athletics and highly regarded by his peers, Chase is known for his determination, leadership skills, and love of sports, particularly rugby and football.
Following the incident, a GoFundMe page was launched by family friends and has already raised over £60,000. The campaign details Chase’s condition, stating that he has suffered extreme internal injuries and that most of his toes have had to be amputated. Doctors are still unsure whether his feet can be saved.
Support the family’s fundraising efforts via the official GoFundMe page
The Allen family, who have relatives in New Zealand and South Africa, have expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from the public, school community, and friends across the globe.
In a recent update, the family stated:
“Chase is fighting with everything he has. We are overwhelmed by your prayers, messages, and kindness. Please continue to hold our boy in your hearts.”
Millfield has offered counseling services and additional academic support to Chase’s classmates, who are reportedly devastated by the incident.
School and Community Response: Prayers, Support, and Questions
Millfield School, one of the UK’s top private boarding institutions, is facing growing pressure to explain how such a tragic accident occurred. While the school acted swiftly to inform parents and coordinate with emergency services, many in the community are seeking answers—and assurances that this can never happen again.
In an official statement, Headmaster Gavin Horgan said:
“We are focused entirely on the wellbeing of our students. We are offering all support to the affected families and are fully cooperating with the investigation.”
The school community has rallied in solidarity, holding vigil services and organizing fundraisers for the families of all three injured boys. Messages of support have poured in from former pupils, parents, and educators from around the world.
Explore Millfield’s community updates via their official website
Despite this, some parents are demanding a formal review of campus safety, especially concerning proximity to dangerous infrastructure. This isn’t the first time overhead cables near schools have raised concern in the UK, and the Millfield case could prompt a nationwide reassessment of safety protocols.
What Happens Next: Investigation, Recovery, and Accountability
The Health and Safety Executive will be central to determining whether any safety violations occurred. If Millfield is found to have lacked adequate signage, barriers, or supervision, the school could face significant legal repercussions.
Additionally, Somerset Police are assisting with witness interviews, site analysis, and review of any nearby CCTV footage that may explain how the boys accessed the area.
Meanwhile, Chase and the other boys remain hospitalized. Doctors say recovery will be a long and uncertain road—particularly for Chase, who faces multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation.
Legal experts suggest that depending on the findings, liability claims may be filed by affected families, which could influence future safety guidelines across all UK private and public schools.
