Family Seeking To Find First Aider To Say Personal Thank You

The family of a young boy who suffered extreme burns when he was injured while riding the Ghost Train on Skegness Pleasure Beach say they are disappointed that more is not being done to improve the ride following an investigation into the incident.

Thomas Russon, aged 6, was airlifted to hospital and needed a skin graft to repair the damage to his side after falling from a carriage on the Ghost Train ride at the Lincolnshire attraction on 20 July 2015.

The family has since received a letter from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirming that the company operating the ride has been served with an Improvement Notice relating to the supervision of children and other members of public on the Ghost Train ride.

However Thomas’ dad David Russon is disappointed that no action is being taken to improve the ride itself and has instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and ensure that Thomas gets the treatment and rehabilitation he needs to fully recover from his injuries.

David, from Beighton, Sheffield, said: “From Thomas’ injuries you can see that a carriage on the ride has dragged him along causing severe burns. I don’t know how these rides work but there should surely be some sort of failsafe to stop the ride, and if there is already one fitted then in my view it’s not sensitive enough as Thomas has needed skin grafts for the huge burns down his side caused by the ride.

“I’m glad that the company has been told to improve supervision for children on the ride but I’m concerned that it’s not enough. I’ve seen how this has affected Thomas and it has been terrifying for all of us. I would hate for this to happen to someone else.

“Our focus remains on ensuring Thomas gets the best possible treatment he can so that he is back up and running as quickly as possible.”

Thomas has so far had two operations and is set for more surgery at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. It’s unclear at this stage whether he will be fit to return to school in September.

Andrea Burke, an expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell said: 

David and his family are also seeking to find a female who assisted at the scene so that they can personally thank her for the support she provided. 

David added: “We’d like to speak to anyone who helped us in that initial situation where we were just in shock and some quick thinking from the female first aider in particular probably saved Thomas’ life. If anyone can help with any information we urge them to get in touch as we just want to say thank you for what they did to help.”

The first aider is believed to be in her 30s and anyone who may be able to help can call 0114 294 7830.