Twelve children injured after ride collapses at Northern Ireland theme park

Emergency services respond to ‘major incident’ at Planet Fun in Carrickfergus

Around 200 people were at the funfair in the car park for Carrickfergus Castle (PA)

At least twelve children were injured after a funfair ride collapsed in Northern Ireland.

Emergency services were called to the major incident at Planet Fun at Carrickfergus Harbour shortly before 6pm on Saturday.

Six people - including four children - were taken to hospital but none were said to be in a life-threatening condition.

Eight children suffered superficial injuries that did not require hospital treatment, according to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

A NIFRS spokesperson said that around 200 people were in attendance at the theme park when the ride collapsed at around 5.58pm.

Three fire engines, a specialist rescue team, the air ambulance and the Red Cross attended the scene.

Two children were taken to hospital by ambulance, two were taken by their parents and eight others were treated at the scene for superficial injuries, the spokesperson said.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it had sent four emergency crews, 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,” the NIAS said in a statement.

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

The Health and Safety Executive have been informed.

Planet Fun said in a statement that the park had closed for the night “due to unforeseen circumstances” and added: “All tickets will automatically be refunded. Further updates will follow.”

Stewart Dickson, Alliance MLA for East Antrim, said: “I am concerned with regards to reports of accident at the funfair on Saturday.

“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.”