Funfair ride supervision must improve after accident left boy burned

Posted: August 26, 2015

Posted in: Public Place Accidents 

Botton’s Pleasure Beach in Skegness has been warned it must improve supervision standards after a six-year-old boy was run over by a ghost train. Thomas Russon, from Sheffield, became trapped by a carriage at the funfair, which caused him to suffer serious burns in the incident last month. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warned the park with an improvement notice demanding improved supervision on the Ghost Train.

Thomas’s father, David, had been there when the accident happened. He said that despite welcoming the order, he was disappointed that no action had been taken considering the lack of safety precautions surrounding the ride itself. Thomas had to be airlifted to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham from the resort due to the severity of his burns and abdominal bruising. It was heard that he had to undergo two operations for skin grafts and still required further surgery.

“I’m concerned it’s not enough”

James Botton offered his sincerest apologies to the family but ensured that an accident of this nature had never happened in the ride’s 30-year history. He confirmed that improvements were made immediately. Mr Russon said: “I’m glad the company has been told to improve supervision for children on the ride but I’m concerned 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.”

The family has decided to take legal action against the company, which has to meet the demanded supervision standards by 1 September.

If you have suffered an injury in a public place, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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