An 18-year-old woman from the UK has suffered life-changing injuries after a horrifying accident at a fairground.
According to a report by the Daily Echo, the incident occurred on Saturday night at the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show at around 11 PM.
Emma Perry, 51, a heart failure nurse, was reportedly at the fair with her daughter at the time.
She told the outlet, “The girl was on the oscillating floor in the Fun House when she slipped, fell backwards, and her hair got caught in the rollers on the floor.” Perry explained that the 18-year-old’s friend came off the ride and said she was bleeding. “When I got up there, I saw that three-quarters of the girl’s scalp had been ripped off in what we call a degloving incident,” she said.
The nurse also told the Daily Echo that the fire brigade quickly arrived to assist. They reportedly had to remove a piece of the ride to free the girl. Perry told the outlet, “You do not expect that to happen at a village event like this. All of those who were there want to protect other people from having to go through that; it was horrendous. You have to ask, are these funfairs safe?”
The Fairground Organizers Have Released A Statement On Social Media
Metley Marsh Steam & Craft Show released a statement on Facebook, stressing that comments on social media are not the views of show organizers. “The unfortunate incident that happened at the show last evening is being investigated by the relevant authorities,” the statement reads. “Netley Marsh Steam & Craft Show LTD are cooperating with all parties involved. No further comment will be made until such time as appropriate and more information is available.”
Charles Cole, the fairground owner, told the Daily Echo that the ride is 20 years old, but had been tested that day. “This was a freak accident,” he said. “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.”
Cole confirmed an investigation is underway and the funhouse remains closed.