Theme park to be prosecuted after boy, seven, was left fighting for life

A THEME park in North Yorkshire is facing a criminal prosecution after a seven-year-old boy was launched 30ft from a ride and left fighting for his life.

The young boy was injured during a fall from the Twister rollercoaster at Lightwater Valley Theme Park, in May last year.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) yesterday confirmed that it intends to bring a prosecution against the operator of the theme park.

An HSE spokesman said: “Following the investigation by HSE, Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd, of Sherborne, Dorset, will face a charge under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

“HSE is currently liaising with Leeds Magistrates’ Court to fix a first hearing date.”

Emergency services were called to the park in North Stainley, near Ripon, on May 30.

The child was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with lifethreatening head injuries.

The Lightwater Valley website described the Twister ride as an “awesome, fun-packed experience for all the family, with passengers boarding a strange waltzer-shaped ride car and heading on an epic ascent to the treetops. Giving riders the impression that they might not make it around the next corner, with the threat of plummeting into the treetops being a constant source of tension for parents (and amusement for the kids). With serious amounts of anticipation, tight turns and swift drops, watch out for the ride cars unhooking on the lower level as the spinning steps up a gear.”

The theme park has more than 30 rides and attractions, although the Twister is no longer listed among them on its website. The park is currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions.