Youngster In Critical Condition Following Incident In Ride Queue

An investigation is underway at Chessington World of Adventure after a four-year-old girl suffered serious injuries after falling 14ft from a bridge at the Surrey theme park.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and an internal investigation is underway in relation to the incident on Thursday (June 7th) which left Jessica Blake with a fractured skull, a bleed on the brain and broken ribs.

It is believed the fall happened as the youngster was waiting in the queue for the Tomb Blaster ride at the theme park. She is thought to be in a critical condition at St George’s Hospital.

A Chessington spokesman has suggested that inspections have taken place with particular focus on a fence panel which runs alongside the queuing area.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist lawyers act for victims and the families of those seriously injured in accidents in public places including theme parks such as M&D’s Theme Park in Motherwell.

David Urpeth, a Partner and expert in such public liability claims, said: “Theme parks and fairgrounds have a duty to ensure that their sites and rides are safe for visitors. Whilst this is always important, this is particularly important in the summer when such attractions are at their busiest.

“It is vital that the investigations into the incident provide answers as to how this fall occurred and how it could have been avoided.

“This is a truly shocking incident and it is vital that every possible step is taken to ensure that the same problems seen at Chessington last week are not repeated in the future.”