Ten hurt in Blackpool funfair ride accident

TEN people were treated in hospital yesterday after an accident on a ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

The incident - the latest in a string of funfair ride accidents in recent months - happened as a train on the Avalanche ride was pulling into the station at the end of a run.

Helen O'Neill, director of public relations, said the 14-person train on the ride, which simulates the twists and turns of a bobsleigh run reaching speeds of about 40mph, was slowed to about 5mph by the first of two brakes when the second brake, which brings it to a halt, operated 'brusquely'.

'Our first-aiders were on the scene within two minutes. Six of the 14 people on the train were taken away to hospital for observation because they were suffering from shock.'

The ride, which opened in 1988, was closed while technicians established what went wrong.

A spokeswoman at Blackpool Victoria Hospital said 10 people were treated in the accident and emergency department.

Three of the casualties were released after being treated for minor injuries and seven were being detained for observation.

All were 'comfortable' and the hospital planned to review their cases late yesterday to decide if they were well enough to go home.

The incident comes after more than 20 people were injured in an accident on The Big One, the world's highest and fastest roller coaster ride, at the resort's Pleasure Beach.

Two cars on the newly-opened pounds 12m ride crashed 30ft above the ground early in July.