A five-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital after a terrifying incident at a funfair during the Bank Holiday weekend.
The child was on a helicopter-style ride when the carriage unexpectedly detached and plummeted several feet to the ground.
This alarming malfunction occurred at the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza in North Wales, prompting an immediate investigation.
The Ride Malfunction and Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses recalled seeing the ride malfunction on Saturday morning.
The carriage appeared to come loose mid-operation, and the young girl was thrown out onto the road.
She was reportedly in tears when emergency responders arrived, and an ambulance quickly took her to the hospital for further treatment.
According to the parents, it was a miracle the incident wasn’t more severe.
Statement from Organizers and Investigation into the Incident
Aaran Lennox, a local journalist, reported that the ride’s malfunction caused the vehicle to fall from several meters high, leaving the child inside.
Health and safety officials confirmed they launched an investigation into the event, which raised concerns about potential serious injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited the scene, allowing the operator to continue with the event, though the ride remained closed for the rest of the weekend.
The organizers, Llandudno Community Events, issued a statement acknowledging that human error was likely to blame for the incident.
Chris Williams, director of the community interest company (CIC), said, “An initial internal investigation revealed human error as the cause.
Out of respect for the family, we instructed the operator to close the ride for the remainder of the event.”
Immediate Response and Support
North Wales Police were on-site almost immediately, with an officer reporting that the girl received medical attention at the event’s first aid station.
Authorities informed the HSE, who have since taken charge of the investigation.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to the scene and transported the girl to the hospital for further evaluation.
Fortunately, the child is said to be in stable condition, and the parents expressed their relief, acknowledging that the outcome could have been much worse.
The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza and Ongoing Investigation
The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza has been a staple of the May Day Bank Holiday weekend for nearly 40 years, offering fairground rides and displays of steam-powered traction engines from the Victorian era.
Following the incident, organizers have remained in contact with the affected family and are offering support.
As the HSE continues to investigate, the incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols at such events, but the community is hopeful for a swift resolution.