A FUNFAIR owner has insisted his ride was tested “daily” after a teen was left with potentially life-changing injuries in a “freak accident.”
The horror at Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show near Southampton, saw the .
Charles Cole, owner of the funfair, has now spoken out to say he sympathises with the 18-year-old.
The incident on Saturday prompted a large emergency response with the becoming involved.
An 18-year-old girl was left with serious head injuries when her hair was caught in a ride at the funfair, she was raced to hospital and treated by medics.
The girl was taken away on a stretcher and reportedly had to cut away a section of the ride.
Mr Cole said that the walk-on ride had been subject to daily checks.
Speaking to the Daily Echo he added: “Approximately 50 people had been on the ride before the 18-year-old, and there were no issues.
“The ride is 20 years old but it had been tested that day. This was a freak accident.
“Somehow, the girl’s hair got caught and .
“Nobody wants to hurt anyone, and we are a family business. Last night was very upsetting, especially for the man who owns the ride.
“Safety is our priority, and we and her parents.
“It is under investigation and the ride is closed.”
The ride has now been closed for the duration of the event as the probe the “freak accident.”
A full inspection of the site was carried out on Monday.
A Hampshirespokesperson said: “We were called at 10.53pm on July 26 with reports that an 18-year-old woman had sustained potentially life-changing injuries to her head while on a ride at Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show.
“She was taken to hospital for treatment.
“ and have liaised with the Health and Safety Executive.”
Meanwhile, the fair announced today: “Good morning from day three of the show.”
