Rollercoaster hits worker at theme park (From Gazette & Herald)

Rollercoaster hits worker at theme park

A THEME-park worker was critically ill today in hospital after being hit by the moving train of a white-knuckle ride at Flamingo Land.

The accident happened yesterday on Europe's only triple-loop roller-coaster, Magnum Force, which stands 111ft tall at its highest point and reaches speeds of 80mph.

Following the accident yesterday, Flamingo Land chief executive Gordon Gibb said: "At approximately 12.15pm, a ride operator on Magnum Force was hit by a moving train in the maintenance area of the attraction.

"The member of staff in question was airlifted to hospital in Teesside where he is critically ill.

"It is not yet known why the operator was in that part of the ride, where only experienced mechanics are authorised to be, but a full investigation is under way.

"The Health and Safety Executive and police have been informed and were in attendance.

"Flamingo Land has co-operated fully with the authorities and assures the public that safety is our number one priority and the incident in question is being treated as a work-related accident."

The man is said to be a 32-year-old seasonal worker and it is not known if he is from the area.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive said: "The Health and Safety Executive have been advised of the incident and have begun a preliminary investigation.

"Two inspectors have visited the site this afternoon and will write a full report."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed that police have been on the scene. They have launched an appeal for witnesses and put posters around the attraction asking them to contact Malton Police Station, with any information. The number is (01723) 509612.

A spokesperson for TENYAS (Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service) said the man was airlifted by the Great North Air Ambulance Service to the James Cook Memorial Hospital in Middlesbrough, and that a motor bike paramedic also attended.

A spokesperson for the air ambulance service said the man was anaesthetised at the scene by the doctor on board the air ambulance before being taken to hospital in Middlesbrough.

Updated: 11:10 Wednesday, June 02, 2004