Woman out of critical condition after fairground ride ‘collapsed’ at Lambeth Country Show

A 40-year-old woman is in a critical condition after a funfair ride went wrong in Brockwell Park on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force previously said the woman was fighting for her life and a man in his 40s was also treated for “life-threatening injuries”.

In an update on Monday, a spokesman said the pair remained in hospital but neither was in a life-threatening condition.

Officers attended the scene on Sunday, alongside the Health and Safety Executive, and inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances.

Four people, including an 11-year-old girl, were taken to hospital.

A giant frog walking was among those that could be seen behind the high black fences on Sunday.

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

A police spokesman said: “Following a full assessment by doctors, a woman in her 40s remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries. A 40-year-old man is also receiving ongoing treatment for potentially life-changing injuries.

“The 50-year-old man and the 11-year-old girl have both been discharged from hospital. Officers attended the scene today alongside the Health and Safety Executive, while inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.”

Lambeth Country Show reopened on Sunday but racing remained isolated.

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 since 1974.

Annually, it attracts over 120,000 people over the weekend.

Helen Hayes, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Dulwich and West Norwood, posted on X, ex-Twitter, 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.”