A fairground worker has died after suffering serious head injuries following an ’emergency incident’ on a ride at a seaside funfair.
Police and paramedics rushed to the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, at around 2.15pm today, where the funfair worker – a man in his 20s – was injured.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff to save him, he succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead, Northumbria Police said.
A police spokesperson said the man’s next of kin had been contacted and were being supported by specialist officers.
They added: ‘Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time.’
Police have contacted the Health and Safety Executive to ‘establish exactly what happened’.
The attraction features a row of seats which are suspended in the air and rotated at speed.
The entire fair, which was packed with families this afternoon, has been shut down and a huge police presence was reported at the scene.
An air ambulance was also seen landing on the grass area next to the fairground.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: Shortly after 2.15pm today, we received a report that a man had been injured in a workplace accident at Spanish City Summer Funfair in the Spanish City Plaza area of Whitley Bay in North Tyneside.
‘Emergency services attended and a man in his 20s was found to have suffered serious head injuries.
‘Despite the best efforts of medical staff who attended the scene, a short time later, the man was sadly declared dead.
‘His next of kin have been contacted and are being supported by specialist officers.
‘Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time.
‘We have contacted the Health & Safety Executive and are working with them to establish exactly what happened.
‘The fair has been closed to the public and will remain closed until further notice.
‘Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police by sending them a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or report form functions on the Force’s website.”
Dog walkers at the popular seaside spot had earlier expressed their shock at the horror inside at the funfair.
One said: ‘It’s horrific. You don’t expect something like this.
‘The fair is usually open in the afternoon but it’s obvious something really serious has happened.’
