Collapse of fairground ride was caused by teens 'misusing equipment'

Collapse of fairground ride in Northern Ireland which injured six people including four children was caused by group of teenagers ‘misusing equipment’

• Funfair ride at Planet Fun in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, collapsed last night
• It was caused by ‘misuse of equipment’ by several teenagers, it was confirmed
• Four children taken to hospital – it is understood injuries are not life-threatening 
• Other children suffered injuries to legs, but did not require hospital treatment 
• Four emergency crews, rapid response vehicle and ambulance attended scene
• The funfair will reopen to the public but the collapsed ride will remain closed 

The collapse of a funfair ride which injured six people was caused by the ‘misuse of equipment’ by several teenagers, the amusement park operator has said. 

Four children were among those taken to hospital after the Star Flyer swing ride collapsed at Planet Fun in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, on Saturday evening. 

Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. 

Planet Fun said in a statement that the equipment did not have any ‘mechanical defects’ and the funfair will reopen to the public.

The collapse of a funfair ride in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, which injured six people, was caused by the ‘misuse of equipment’ by several teenagers, the amusement park operator has said

It said: ‘All sessions of Planet Fun will go ahead as normal. 

‘Following a preliminary investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Planet Fun have been cleared to reopen and it is confirmed the equipment has not got any mechanical defects. 

‘We will however be keeping the Star Flyer closed pending further safety checks and investigation. 

‘The incident tonight was caused by misuse of equipment by the behaviour of several teenagers on the attraction and is to be further investigated by the PSNI. 

‘The swift actions by our staff to terminate the ride prevented further injuries. 

Four children were among those taken to hospital after the Star Flyer swing ride collapsed at Planet Fun on Saturday evening

Planet Fun said in a statement that the equipment did not have any ‘mechanical defects’ and the funfair will reopen to the public

A Health and Safety Executive investigation has been launched following the horror funfair accident on Saturday evening in Carrickfergus

‘At this time we cannot comment any further on the incident but would extend our thoughts and best wishes to the people who were injured.’  

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 6pm on Saturday after they received reports that a ride had collapsed. 

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a call that a number of people had been injured in the incident. 

It despatched four emergency crews, a rapid response paramedic and an ambulance officer to the scene. 

Four children were rushed to hospital with three taken to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and one to Antrim Area Hospital. A number of other children suffered injuries to their legs, but did not require hospital treatment.   

The Star Flyer will remain closed when the funfair reopens ‘pending further safety checks and investigation’, the amusement park operator has said

Health Minister Robin Swann said: ‘Our blue light services have responded to an incident tonight at a funfair in Carrick. It was reported that a ride at the fair collapsed and there were several casualties.  

‘A number of people, including children, were taken to hospital and thankfully none have life-threatening injuries. 

‘My thoughts are with all who have been injured and affected by this incident. 

‘I wish everyone a speedy recovery and I want to sincerely thank the ambulance, paramedics and fire crews that responded so rapidly to what could have been something more tragic.’   

One person understood to have witnessed the incident posted: ‘Omg in Planet Fun getting on all the rides and the swings all started hit into each other. 

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a call that a number of people had been injured in the incident

Four emergency crews, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance attended the scene. The funfair was closed last night 

‘Kids screaming, mums screaming, I only caught tail end on camera. This is the second ride today in the park getting closed. 

‘Ambulance all on way thank God me and Summer went on it earlier as the whole park is now getting evacuated. Poor kids.’  

Stewart Dickson, Alliance MLA for East Antrim, said last night: ‘I am concerned with regards to reports of accident at the funfair on Saturday.

‘I understand from early reports that injuries are not serious and hope that continues to be the case.

One person understood to have witnessed the incident posted: ‘Omg in Planet Fun getting on all the rides and the swings all started hit into each other’

‘Following this, it is now important that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of whatever occurred.’ 

It is understood the funfair was recently opened in the area. 

In a statement, a spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said that three fire appliances, a specialist rescue team and the Red Cross attended the scene. 

The air ambulance was also dispatched to the scene and the HSE was made aware of the incident.  

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