Theme park ‘sorry’ after girl taken to hospital and 19 rescued from faulty rollercoaster

A girl sustained a head injury and lost consciousness when the Rocket Coaster ride stopped abruptly.
Dominic Raynor
By Dominic Raynor
Published 30th Aug 2022, 08:31 BST
Updated 30th Aug 2022, 08:33 BST
A general view of Southport Pleasureland. Image: GoogleA general view of Southport Pleasureland. Image: Google
A general view of Southport Pleasureland. Image: Google

Nineteen people had to be rescued at Southport Pleasureland over the Bank Holiday weekend when a rollercoaster got stuck mid-ride.

One girl sustained a head injury and lost consciousness when the Rocket Coaster stopped abruptly due to a fault, just before lunchtime on Saturday.

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North West Ambulance Service treated the girl at the scene before taking her to hospital.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue (MFRS) sent two fire engines and a search and rescue team to the incindent. Staff at Southport Pleasureland then used a cherry picker to safely remove everyone from the rollercoaster.

A spokesman for Pleasureland told the BBC the theme park was "sorry for the distress caused" and said all routine maintenance checks had been carried out before the ride started.

The ride came to a stop at an angle and left parents and children clinging on for around 90 minutes until all were rescued.

MFRS said Health and Safety Executive had been informed about the incident and the ride has been shut down while a full inspection is carried out.

Related topics:Health and Safety Executive

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