Woman and man sustain severe injuries following fairground ride collapse at popular london event
A horrifying incident occurred at the Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park, South London, on Saturday evening, when a funfair ride malfunctioned, resulting in critical injuries to several attendees. The Metropolitan Police reported that a woman in her 40s remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries, while a man of the same age is being treated for potentially life-changing injuries. Two other individuals, including an 11-year-old girl and a man in his 50s, were also hospitalized but have since been discharged. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and a full investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the ride’s failure.
The Lambeth Country Show, an annual event that has been a staple of the community since 1974, resumed the following day, although all funfair rides were cordoned off as safety inspections were carried out. The incident has left witnesses traumatized, with many describing the terrifying scenes as the ride collapsed. Local authorities, along with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), are conducting thorough inquiries to ensure such an incident does not happen again.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Mirror
The Mirror article provides a detailed account of the tragic event, focusing on the immediate aftermath and the response from emergency services. According to the report, the incident happened around 6:20 PM on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Witnesses described being “scarred for life” by the sight of the malfunctioning ride. The ride, which was among the attractions at the Lambeth Country Show, suddenly failed, causing panic and chaos among attendees.
Four people were taken to hospital, with a woman in her 40s sustaining life-threatening injuries and a man of the same age receiving treatment for potentially life-changing injuries. The other two injured individuals, an 11-year-old girl and a man in his 50s, have since been discharged from the hospital. The Metropolitan Police and emergency services quickly cordoned off the area and transported the injured to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
The article highlights the swift response of the emergency services and the ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police and the Health and Safety Executive. A spokesperson for the police mentioned that officers were on the scene alongside the HSE to establish the full circumstances of the incident. The Mirror also reported that the Lambeth Country Show reopened on Sunday, but the rides remained closed as additional safety inspections were conducted.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Lambeth Council expressed their condolences to those affected and confirmed that a thorough investigation was underway. They emphasized the importance of visitor safety and assured the public that additional safety inspections were being carried out on all rides and attractions. The Mirror’s coverage reflects the community’s shock and the urgent need for answers to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Guardian
The Guardian article echoes similar sentiments, providing a comprehensive overview of the incident and the subsequent actions taken by local authorities. It states that the malfunction occurred during the first day of the Lambeth Country Show, which is a significant event attracting over 120,000 visitors annually. The report details how the ride, described as being topped with a giant frog, failed, leading to the injuries.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that emergency services responded to the incident around 6:20 PM on Saturday. They reiterated that four people were taken to hospital, with a woman in her 40s remaining in critical condition and a man in his 40s receiving treatment for potentially life-changing injuries. The article also mentions that the other two individuals, an 11-year-old girl and a man in his 50s, had been discharged from the hospital.
The Guardian notes that the Lambeth Country Show continued on Sunday, but all funfair rides were closed off for safety inspections. Lambeth Council and the Health and Safety Executive are leading an investigation into the incident. A council spokesperson expressed their sorrow over the accident and thanked the emergency services for their rapid response. The article includes a quote from Helen Hayes, the Labour parliamentary candidate for Dulwich and West Norwood, who called for an urgent investigation into the incident.
Sky News
Sky News provides a detailed report on the Lambeth Country Show incident, emphasizing the critical injuries sustained by a woman in her 40s and the serious injuries of a man of the same age. The news outlet highlights that four people were taken to hospital following the ride’s malfunction, with the two most severely injured individuals still receiving treatment. The other two, a man in his 50s and an 11-year-old girl, have been discharged.
The incident occurred around 6:20 PM on Saturday evening, prompting a swift response from emergency services. The Lambeth Country Show, a beloved community event, reopened the next day, but all funfair rides remained closed as investigations and safety checks continued. Sky News reports that Lambeth Council confirmed a thorough investigation was underway to determine the cause of the malfunction and to ensure the safety of all attractions at the show.
The article includes statements from local officials and witnesses, all expressing shock and concern over the incident. Helen Hayes, a Labour parliamentary candidate, stressed the need for an urgent investigation to understand what went wrong and to prevent future accidents. Sky News also highlights the ongoing role of the Health and Safety Executive in the investigation, ensuring that all safety protocols are re-evaluated and strengthened.
