Veteran panman Austin "Wire" Milton is recuperating at the San Fernando General Hospital after toppling off a wrecker on Carnival Monday night. The leader of the San Fernando-based Fonclaire Steelband broke his right leg in two places. Speaking on his cellphone from his hospital bed yesterday, Milton was in good spirits. "My new address is Ward 4, Suite Three of the New Wing of the San Fernando General Hospital," he joked.
Recalling the incident, he said around 10.40 pm, he was in the wrecker pulling the trailer transporting his band. He said they turned onto Hobson Street after having left the Bomb Competition on Carib Street: "We were not moving fast because people were chipping in the band." He said he decided to come off the wrecker to make arrangements for the members to get refreshments at Seon's Bar. "While I was coming off, I misstep in some loose soft sand. I lost balance and drop on the ground and all I hear was pacs. I couldn't move and I was real pain."
Members came to his assistance and he was whisked away to the hospital by the Fire Service ambulance. He that said last Thursday, a piece of steel was surgically placed in his leg. Praising the medical staff for the treatment he received thus far, Milton said, "Here like international hospital standards. I must congratulate the past Government for giving us something like this."
With the steady flow of visitors and phone calls, he said depression was the furthest thing from his mind. He said the doctors told him how long he spends in the hospital would depend on how well he recovers.
