Skegness, Lincolnshire — Emergency services successfully rescued approximately 25 passengers trapped on a malfunctioning amusement ride at a seaside fairground in Skegness on Saturday afternoon. The incident, which unfolded around 15:30 BST, resulted in no reported injuries but left several visitors shaken by the experience.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated from the ride, which had become stuck about four meters (13 feet) above the ground. The fairground, operated by Bottons, has been approached for comment regarding the malfunction.
The ride’s failure caused a significant scare among those trapped. Shane, a young visitor who was on the ride with his family, recounted the terrifying ordeal.
“Basically, the cars were banging into each other and then I looked behind and I got bashed into and it really hurt,” he said. “It was really scary. Everything was going up and down, and then I started hearing people screaming and seeing cars being bashed into each other.”
Shane described the situation as distressing, particularly when he saw his mother crying below him. He was eventually rescued after a nearly two-hour wait and expressed relief at being able to leave the ride safely.
The emergency response was swift, with fire and ambulance crews arriving promptly at the scene. The ride’s malfunction prompted a considerable response from local emergency services, who worked to ensure the safety of those stranded. Fire crews, stationed outside the attraction, played a crucial role in the rescue operation.
Although the specific ride involved in the incident has not yet been identified, witnesses reported seeing several children and adults on the attraction at the time of the malfunction. The scene, with passengers visible on the stuck ride, added to the urgency of the rescue efforts.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the malfunction and have yet to release a statement on the incident’s circumstances. Meanwhile, Bottons, the company responsible for the fairground operations, has been contacted for an official response.
Despite the harrowing experience, there were no injuries reported, and all passengers were safely removed from the ride. The incident underscores the importance of thorough safety checks and regular maintenance for amusement park attractions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Visitors and locals alike have expressed their concerns over the safety of amusement rides, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures and prompt responses to emergencies. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to ensure that such incidents are minimized and that fairground operations adhere to the highest safety standards.
