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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Nadeem Badshah

Four taken to hospital after fairground ride fails in south London

Brockwell Park in south London
Brockwell Park in south London. Police were called to the Lambeth country show at about 6.20pm on Saturday. Photograph: William Barton/Alamy

Four people including an 11-year-old girl have been taken to hospital after a fairground ride malfunctioned at an event in London on Saturday, police said.

Emergency services were called to the scene at the Lambeth country show in Brockwell Park at about 6.20pm.

The four people taken to hospital were a man and a woman aged in their 40s, a man in his 50s and an 11-year-old girl.

Police said none of the injured were believed to be in a life-threatening condition and that they were awaiting full hospital assessments.

Met police said: “Emergency services responded at about 6.20pm on Saturday to a fairground ride having failed at the Lambeth country show in Brockwell Park.

“Four people have been taken to hospital. Nobody is trapped on the ride.”

The force added: “Enquiries are under way to establish the circumstances.
Cordons are in place at the location. The Health and Safety Executive will be informed.”

A London ambulance service spokesperson said it sent multiple resources to the scene including four ambulance crews and members of its hazardous area response team as well as dispatching London’s air ambulance.

The spokesperson added that paramedics treated four people at the scene and took them all to major trauma centres.

A spokesperson for Lambeth council in south London said: “The incident was reported at about 6.20pm today (8 June) 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. 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 wellbeing of our visitors remain our top priority.”

Helen Hayes, Labour parliamentary candidate for Dulwich and West Norwood and the shadow minister for children and early years, called for an urgent investigation.

Hayes wrote on X: “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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