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A FUNFAIR owner has insisted his ride was tested just hours before 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 teen suffer serious injuries after hair was caught in a ride.
Charles Cole, owner of the funfair, has now spoken out to say he sympathises with the 18-year-old.
He called the horror a “freak accident” and went on to insist his ride is 20 years old but it “had been tested that day.”
The incident on Saturday prompted a large emergency response with the Health and Safety Executive becoming involved.
An 18-year-old girl was left with serious head injuries and was raced to hospital where she was treated by medics.
The girl was taken away on a stretcher and fire crews reportedly had to cut away a section of the ride.
Mr Cole said that the walk-on ride had been subject to daily checks, adding that 50 people had used it without issue before the girl.
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 she could not grab on to the handrails.
“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 sympathise with the girl 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 Health and Safety Executive probe the “freak accident.”
A full inspection of the site was carried out on Monday.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said at the time: “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.
“Police attended and have liaised with the Health and Safety Executive.”
Meanwhile, the fair announced yesterday: “Good morning from day three of the show.”
