Woman in hospital with life-threatening injuries after funfair ride malfunctions

A 40-year-old woman is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a funfair ride malfunctioned at a country music show in south London, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 40-year-old man is also receiving ongoing treatment for potentially life-changing injuries. The Lambeth Country Show at Brockwell Park reopened on Sunday but racing remains isolated.

An 11-year-old girl, a man and woman in their 40s and a man in his 50s were taken to hospital after the incident. The 50-year-old man and 11-year-old girl have both been released from hospital, Scotland Yard said.

The problem appeared on the first day of the free event. A giant frog walking is among those that could be seen behind high black fences on Sunday.

A police spokesman said: “Emergency services responded at around 6.20pm on Saturday 8 June to a fairground ride gone wrong at Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park.

“Four people were transported to the hospital. A 40-year-old woman remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries following a full assessment by medics.

“A man in his 40s is also receiving ongoing treatment for potentially life-changing injuries. The 50-year-old man and 11-year-old girl have both been released from hospital.

“Officers attended the scene today alongside the Health and Safety Executive while inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.”

Signs saying “sorry for any inconvenience this ride will not be opening today” have been affixed to the wire fence surrounding the fairgrounds.

Disappointed visitors of all ages could be seen reading the sign and speaking to a fair worker, who told them all the rides were closed, before leaving to enjoy other attractions at the event.

An investigation into the incident, led by the Met Police and the Health and Safety Executive, is ongoing, Lambeth Council said.

A spokesman added: “Very sadly a funfair ride at the country show malfunctioned last night, injuring four people. They are being cared for in hospital and our thoughts are with them.

“Thank you to the emergency services for their quick response to yesterday’s country spectacle and their support to the families affected.

“Following this incident and to allow for a full investigation, the fairground rides at the show will be affected by closures for the second day of the country show.”

The council-run show has been running as a free community event in Brockwell Park, south London, since 1974. It attracts more than 120,000 people over the weekend each year.

Helen Hayes, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Dulwich and West Norwood, posted on X on Saturday night: “Shocked to learn of the failure of a fair race at Lambeth Country Show earlier this evening.

“My thoughts are with those who were injured and all who witnessed this horrific event. Thank you to the emergency services that attended.

“There must now be an urgent investigation.” The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the incident, a spokesman said.

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