Seven-year-old boy falls from Lightwater Valley rollercoaster - here's everything we know so far

A seven-year-old boy has been airlifted to hospital after falling more than 30ft from the Twister rollercoaster at Lightwater Valley theme park near Ripon, it is understood.
North Yorkshire Police has confirmed that the boy's condition is "not believed to be life-threatening."North Yorkshire Police has confirmed that the boy's condition is "not believed to be life-threatening."
North Yorkshire Police has confirmed that the boy's condition is "not believed to be life-threatening."

? North Yorkshire Police has confirmed that the boy's condition is now "critical," and Lightwater Valley has issued a statement confirming that the ride remains closed, but the rest of the park is open.

? Emergency services were called to Lightwater Valley at 11.30am, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance said the boy was transported to Leeds General Infirmary.

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? There have been eyewitness reports that the boy fell 30ft from the Twister rollercoaster.

? The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been notified.

? An onlooker said the youngster was riding the Twister rollercoaster when he slipped out of the carriage and plunged between 20ft and 30ft.

Statements from Lightwater Valley

First statement: "We can confirm that following an incident on one of our rides this morning, a child is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

"Emergency services have confirmed the child was conscious when they arrived at the scene and his condition is not believed to be life-threatening. The ride remains closed at the current time but the rest of the park is still open. We will issue an update as soon as we have any more information."

Further statement:

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The park said they take the health and safety of their visitors very seriously, and have confirmed that Health and Safety Executive personnel are now on-site to conduct an investigation into the incident.

Their statement reads: "Further to our earlier statement concerning the incident on one of our rides this morning, we can confirm that Health and Safety Executive (HSE) personnel are now on-site and we are assisting them as required.

"We take the health and safety of our visitors very seriously and are committed to providing support to the affected family.

"We will continue working closely with the HSE and emergency services. The ride concerned will remain closed until a full investigation has taken place.

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"We will provide updates when new information becomes available."

Eyewitness accounts

An onlooker said the youngster was riding the Twister rollercoaster when he slipped out of the carriage and plunged between 20ft and 30ft.

The ride, which is described on the theme park's website as "full of seriously tight turns," was shut down immediately.

Statements from North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service - boy 'conscious' on arrival at the scene

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A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to reports of a medical incident involving a child at Lightwater Valley theme park near Ripon at 11.30am today.

"The child, a 6-year-old boy, who was conscious when officers arrived at the scene, has been taken to hospital. His condition is not believed to be life threatening. Officers remain at the scene."

"The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been notified."

Statement issued on May 31:

"We are now in a position to provide an update in relation to the incident at Lightwater Valley Theme Park near Ripon on 30 May 2019 involving a seven-year-old boy.

To clarify, the injured boy’s age is seven, not six as previously believed.

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The boy was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with head injuries following the incident where he currently remains. However, his condition is now described as critical.

Although this is a joint investigation by North Yorkshire Police and The Health and Safety Executive, the HSE currently has primacy."

A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Crews were called to reports of an incident at Light Water Valley this morning at around 11:30am.

"On their arrival the air ambulance and other emergency services were in attendance. Fire crews assisted with transporting the casualty to the ambulance. No further action was taken by fire crews at the scene."