Four children rushed to hospital after funfair ride collapses

None of the injuries suffered at Carrickfergus Harbour in Co Antrim were said to be life-threatening.
The Star Flyer funfair ride at Planet Fun in Carrickfergus
The Star Flyer funfair ride at Planet Fun in Carrickfergus
PA

Six have been injured including four rushed to hospital after a funfair ride collapsed in Northern Ireland.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to Planet Fun at Carrickfergus Harbour where the major incident occurred on Saturday.

Witnesses described hearing screams as swings crashed into one another on the ride.

Emergency services were called to the fairground, ten miles outside Belfast, shortly before 6pm.

One person commented on social media: “The swings all started hitting into each other. Kids screaming, mums screaming. Ambulance all on way. Whole park is now getting evacuated.”

Another person said: “Just left the swings and they started going all over the place. Hitting the fences, knocking lights off.”

Three children were taken to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and one child was taken to Antrim Area Hospital.

It is understood their injuries are not life-threatening.

Eight other children suffered minor cuts and injuries to their legs and back, but did not require hospital treatment.

Four emergency crews, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance attended the scene.

The funfair at Carrickfergus Castle has been closed this evening.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Planet Fun said: “Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, Planet Fun will be closed tonight for the 7.30 to 10.30pm session.

“All tickets will automatically be refunded. Further updates will follow.”

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

Stewart Dickson, Alliance MLA for East Antrim, said: “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.

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

An air ambulance was dispatched along with three fire appliances, a specialist rescue team and the Red Cross.

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