A WOMAN is fighting for her life after a fairground ride malfunctioned at Lambeth Country Show yesterday.
The fairgoer, in her 40s, is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after the horror unfolded in south London at around 6.20pm.
lambeth country show/XA woman is fighting for her life after a fairground ride malfunctioned at Lambeth Country Show yesterday[/caption]
PAOnlookers described people ‘flying through the air’ after a ride ‘failed’[/caption]
A man in his 40s is also receiving treatment for potentially life-changing injuries.
Meanwhile another man, in his 50s, and an 11-year-old girl have since been discharged from hospital.
Yesterday, onlookers described people “flying through the air” as “all hell broke loose” when the funfair ride malfunctioned.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Emergency services responded at around 6.20pm on Saturday June 8 to a fairground ride having failed at the Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park.
“Four people have been taken to hospital.
“Following a full assessment by medics, a woman in her 40s remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
“A man in his 40s, is also receiving ongoing treatment for potentially life-changing injuries.
“The man in his 50s and the 11-year-old girl have both been discharged from hospital.
“Officers have attended the scene today alongside the Health and Safety Executive as inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.”
An eyewitness 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.
In an update earlier today, Lambeth Council said 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 reopened at 1pm, but the funfair rides will remain closed off for its second day.
Helen Hayes, the Labour parliamentary candidate for Dulwich and West Norwood, posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday evening: “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 and all who witnessed this horrific event.
“Thank you to the emergency services who attended.
“There must now be an urgent investigation.”
The council-organised show has been a highly anticipated traditional free community event in the area since 1974.
Annually it attracts more than 120,000 people across the weekend.
PAAn eyewitness said: ‘It was horrific. The screams were terrible. Four people flew off and went through the air’[/caption]
PAThe incident is being investigated by the Met Police and the Health & Safety Executive[/caption]