Six people taken to hospital after incident at funfair ride in Co Antrim

Six people, including three children, have been rushed to hospital after an incident on a funfair ride at Planet Fun at Carrickfergus Harbour, in Co Antrim.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 6pm on Saturday.

It is understood none of the injuries are life-threatening.

Eight other children suffered minor cuts and injuries to their legs and back, but did not require hospital treatment.

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Four emergency crews, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance attended the scene.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 17:53, reporting that a number of people had been injured “following the collapse of a ride at the scene”.

Four emergency crews were dispatched to the scene, along with a rapid response paramedic and an ambulance officer.

"Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, two patients have been taken to Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, two to Royal Victoria Hospital, one adult to Antrim Area Hospital and one child to Antrim Area Hospital – none with life-threatening injuries.

“A number of patients were discharged at the scene. It is not anticipated that any others will require hospital attendance.”

A spokesperson for Planet Fun, which has a council licence to operate the fun fair at Carrickfergus said:

“Shortly after 18:00 this evening, the emergency procedures on our Star Flyer ride were enacted following a incident. At no stage did the ride collapse.

“We immediately sought assistance from the NI Ambulance Service.

“We have also reported the incident to the HSE [Health and Safety Executive] and will co-operate fully with the agency to understand exactly what happened.

“Health and safety is central to all operations at Planet Fun and will offer whatever assistance is required to those customers affected.”

Earlier on Saturday, a spokesman for Planet Fun said that “ due to unforeseen circumstances, Planet Fun will be closed tonight for the 7.30 to 10.30pm session.

“All tickets will automatically be refunded. Further updates will follow.”

The minister for health of Northern Ireland Robin Swann commended the emergency response to the incident at Planet Fun.

“A number of people, including children, were taken to hospital and thankfully none have life-threatening injuries,” Mr Swann said in a statement.

“My thoughts are with all who have been injured and affected by this incident. I wish everyone a speedy recovery. I want to sincerely thank the ambulance, paramedics and fire crews that responded so rapidly to what could have been something more tragic.”

Stewart Dickson, Alliance MLA for East Antrim, said: "I understand from early reports that injuries are not serious and hope that continues to be the case.

"Following this, it is now important that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of whatever occurred."

It is understood the funfair was recently opened in the area.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said that three fire appliances, a specialist rescue team and the Red Cross attended the scene.

The air ambulance was also dispatched to the scene. – Additional reporting by PA