An alarming investigation exposes serious safety issues at fairground parks, raising urgent concerns.
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Shocking revelations about safety standards at fairground parks have surfaced, spotlighting a troubling trend that endangers visitors, particularly children. A new investigation lays bare the failures of inspectors, including one with a criminal past, raising urgent questions about accountability and safety protocols in the amusement industry.
Disturbing incidents emerge
The BBC’s upcoming Panorama program, titled ‘Funfairs: How Safe Are They?’, uncovers a series of horrific accidents. In one instance, a five-year-old boy’s ankle was crushed by a rollercoaster at the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza in North Wales.
The aftermath? A criminal conviction for David Geary, the inspector responsible, who failed to recognize the ride’s dangers.
Geary’s track record raises eyebrows. After a mother of eight was violently ejected from a ride in 2018, he received a suspended prison sentence. His company was fined £51,000 for breaching health and safety regulations, yet he continues to operate under the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (Adips). Why are such inspectors still allowed to work?
Haunting statistics
The gravity of these incidents can’t be overstated. Official figures reveal a staggering 3,188 injuries related to fairground rides across England, Scotland, and Wales in just one year. This alarming statistic screams for immediate reform. Yet, despite these numbers, both travelling fairground operators and the Showmen’s Guild have resisted calls for enhanced safety measures.
One particularly tragic case involved an eight-year-old girl who lost her life in Australia while riding the Airmaxx 360. This ride was banned in her home country but found its way to the UK just three years later. How did such a dangerous ride slip through the cracks?
Voices of the victims
Jade Harrison, a 21-year-old who suffered severe injuries on the Airmaxx 360, recounts her harrowing experience. She was propelled 15 feet from her seat, resulting in a broken jaw and extensive bruising. ‘I could barely walk,’ she recalled, describing the pain and confusion she felt after the accident. ‘When I woke up, I had no idea what had happened.’ Her story is just one of many that highlight the urgent need for reform.
In another recent incident, Louise Brown, a mother, was injured when the City Starflyer ride collapsed in Birmingham. She expressed her horror, saying, ‘This can never happen again. We are in shock.’ What will it take for authorities to take action?
Calls for change
Ride inspector Alex Nicholls is calling for a complete overhaul of safety protocols at fairgrounds. ‘We can’t allow this to happen again,’ he stated emphatically. The current oversight is simply inadequate, and as the investigation unfolds, the need for a comprehensive review of safety measures becomes increasingly clear.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has acknowledged that it is reviewing its safety guidance. For years, Geary has faced multiple warnings about safety breaches, yet he remained registered with Adips until recently. How many more incidents must occur before genuine changes are implemented?
Community reaction
The public is demanding answers. Parents worry for the safety of their children at funfairs, where these accidents are becoming all too common. Questions linger: Are the current safety standards sufficient? What measures are being taken to protect families?
As the investigation continues, it is vital for the community to engage and advocate for change. The stories of those affected must not be forgotten as we push for accountability and reform in the fairground industry.
While the Panorama program airs tonight, the dialogue surrounding fairground safety is far from over. With every incident, the calls for stricter regulations grow louder. The future of funfairs hangs in the balance—will they adapt to ensure safety, or will they continue to put thrill over protection?
