Four seriously injured at Lambeth Country Show after ride malfunction

An investigation is under way after four people, including an 11-year-old girl, were taken to hospital when a funfair ride malfunctioned at a festival on Saturday.

The incident happened during the Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park at around 6.20pm, according to Lambeth council.

The council said emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Four people were taken to hospital. 

In an update, the Met said a man and a woman are no longer believed to be in life-threatening conditions.

Police had previously said the pair, both in their 40s, had “life-threatening injuries”.

Two other people, a man in his 50s and an 11-year-old girl who were injured in the incident, have been discharged from hospital.

An investigation into the incident, led by the Met and the Health and Safety Executive, is under way. The council said the investigation would “determine the cause of the malfunction” on the Bensons Funfair ride.

The show continued from 1pm on Sunday, although most of the fairground rides were closed and cordoned off, Lambeth council said. 

Bayo Dosunmu, Lambeth council’s chief executive, said: “The Lambeth Country Show was celebrated by big crowds over the weekend with a fun, united and inclusive vibe throughout.

“We are deeply saddened by the fairground incident on Saturday. It was really shocking and our thoughts are with those who were injured, and their families.

“Because of the importance of the country show to our communities, the number of traders and the amount of community groups involved, the decision was taken to re-open on Sunday once it was agreed that much of the funfair would be closed.”

The incident fell on the 50th anniversary of the Lambeth Country Show, which is a free family festival in Brixton.

An estimated 120,000 people attended the event throughout the weekend, which featured a roots and reggae-led main stage line-up, more than 200 traders and exhibitors, a LatinoLife big top music experience and sports sessions.

The Lambeth Country Show is organised by Lambeth council in partnership with Brockwell Live. 

The council said work on restoring Brockwell Park after the festival has now started and will be paid for by Brockwell Live.

A spokesman for the council said: “Running the show in partnership with Brockwell Live saves the council £700,000 from the cost of putting on the event, as well as securing more than £100,000 for community investment.”

Bensons Funfair has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: Lambeth Country Show (Picture: Lambeth council)