Four fairgoers including girl, 11, hospitalised as ride ‘collapses sending people flying’ in Lambeth Country Show horror
FOUR people injured after a fairground ride malfunctioned last night remain in hospital as police continue to the incident this morning.
Emergency services, including an Air Ambulance, were called after the horror unfolded at Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park, South London, around 6.20pm.
Onlookers described people "flying through the air" after the funfair ride, thought to be the ‘Froggit Jump ‘N’ Smile’ failed on Saturday evening.
Four people were taken to specialist trauma hospitals after being treated at the scene.
Lambeth Police said the injured were "a man and a woman aged in their 40s, a man aged in his 50s and an 11-year-old girl".
None were thought to be in a life-threatening condition.
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In an update today, Lambeth Council said all the victims remain in hospital. The incident is being investigated by the Met Police and the Health & Safety Executive.
Three police cars could be seen entering the park, where safety checks are being carried out on other rides, to make enquiries shortly before 11am.
The Lambeth Country Show will reopen at 1pm, but the funfair rides will remain closed off for a second day.
Eyewitnesses described yesterday the horror as fairgoers ran away "crying" and screaming".
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They recalled how "all hell broke loose" after a ride, thought to be the 'Froggit' jump 'n' smile roundabout, threw people "flying through the air".
One told Mail Online: "People were running towards us and crying and screaming.
"Saw a lady with blood streaming down her face. She had paramedics carrying her off the ride."
Another reported: "It was horrific. The screams were terrible. Four people flew off and went through the air"
They compared the chaotic scene to a "horror movie".
One witness told MyLondon: "We witnessed this. I still can’t work what went wrong just hoping those hurt are ok."
"I was right there when it happened and helped some people off the ride, I hope the four are ok," added another.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson said on Sunday: “Very sadly a funfair ride at the country show malfunctioned yesterday evening (June 8) injuring four people.
“They are being cared for in hospital and our thoughts are with them. An investigation into the incident, led the Met Police and Health and Safety Executive, is underway.
“We thank the emergency services for their swift response at the country show yesterday and for the support they are providing to the affected families.
“Following this incident, and to allow a full investigation, funfair rides at the show will be impacted by closures for the second day of the country show.
“The safety and well-being of our attendees remains our top priority, and we are committed to providing a secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors.”
Cop's statement in full
PARAMEDICS were called after the horror unfolded at around 6.20pm in Brockwell Park, South London.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "The four people taken to hospital from Brockwell Park are a man and a woman aged in their 40s, a man aged in his 50s and an 11-year-old girl.
"None of the four is believed to be in a life-threatening condition.
"We await full hospital assessments."
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 6:18pm today (8 June) to reports of an incident at Brockwell Park, SE24.
“We sent multiple resources to the scene including four ambulance crews and members of our hazardous area response team. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.
“We treated four people at the scene and took them all to major trauma centres.”
A spokesperson from Lambeth Police said: "The four people taken to hospital from Brockwell Park are a man and a woman aged in their 40s, a man aged in his 50s and an 11-year-old girl.
"None of the four is believed to be in a life-threatening condition.
"We await full hospital assessments."
MP Helen Hayes wrote: "I’m shocked to learn of the failure of a fairground ride at Lambeth Country Show earlier this evening
"My thoughts are with those who were injured & all who witnessed this horrific event
"Thank you to the emergency services who attended
"There must now be an urgent investigation."
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A council spokesperson previously said: “The incident was report at around 6.20pm today (June 8) and emergency services were quickly on the scene to treat four people who were injured.
“Paramedics and on-site teams cordoned off the area and those who were injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
“The situation is being closely monitored. The area around the ride is secure and the funfair has been closed.
“A thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the malfunction.
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“Additional safety inspections are being carried out on all rides and attractions at the show
“We thank the emergency services for their swift response and dedication. The safety and well-being of our visitors remain our top priority.”