The collapse of an amusement ride in the United Kingdom which injured six people was caused by the ‘misuse of equipment’ by several teenagers, the theme parks operators have claimed.
Four children were among those taken to hospital after the Star Flyer swing ride collapsed at Planet Fun in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland on Saturday.
Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Planet Fun said in a statement that the equipment did not have any ‘mechanical defects’ and the funfair will reopen to the public.
‘Following a preliminary investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Planet Fun have been cleared to reopen and it is confirmed the equipment has not got any mechanical defects.
‘We will however be keeping the Star Flyer closed pending further safety checks and investigation.
‘The incident tonight was caused by misuse of equipment by the behaviour of several teenagers on the attraction and is to be further investigated by the PSNI.
‘The swift actions by our staff to terminate the ride prevented further injuries.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 6pm on Saturday after they received reports that a ride had collapsed.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a call that a number of people had been injured in the incident.
It despatched four emergency crews, a rapid response paramedic and an ambulance officer to the scene.
Four children were rushed to hospital. A number of other children suffered injuries to their legs, but did not require hospital treatment.