Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Woman in critical condition after three injured in fairground ride ‘incident’ at festival

Two of the people were reported to have been on the ride at the time of the incident, Cumbria Police say

Leonie Chao-Fong
Sunday 29 August 2021 05:47 EDT
Comments
About 3,000 people were expected to attend Fudstock
About 3,000 people were expected to attend Fudstock (Fudstock)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

One woman is in critical condition and two people have been seriously injured after an incident involving a ride at a festival in Cumbria.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Cavendish Park, Barrow, at 8.30pm on Saturday after two women and one man suffered injuries, Cumbria Constabulary said. Police, ambulance, fire and air ambulance attended the scene.

Two of the people were reported to have been on a ride at the time of the incident, which took place at the festival Fudstock.

Three people were taken to Furness General Hospital. One woman is in critical condition while the other two people have serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

A cordon has been placed around the area whilst investigations are ongoing.

Police have not provided details of what happened but they said the incident has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive.

There was a Waltzers ride and several inflatable attractions at the festival, reported the NWE Mail. Around 3,000 people had been expected to attend this year’s Fudstock, the local paper said.

Charity St Mary’s Hospice, which Fudstock was raising funds for, said it had offered support following Saturday’s incident

In a post on social media, it said: “St Mary’s Hospice Management team is aware of an incident at the ‘Fudstock’ event which was taking place tonight on Barrow Island.

“Although we are not directly involved in the organisation or planning of the event, we did have some fundraising staff and volunteers present to represent us.

“We have already been in touch with them, and the event’s organisers, to offer any immediate support they may need. We will be available to them to help in any way we can.”

A glitter station, pizzeria, bar bus, dance tent and laser lights area were among the attractions at the festival.

“It’s so amazing to be back and we’re so lucky to have this sunshine,” organiser Jayne Moorby told the paper earlier on Saturday. “The support has been incredible and the atmosphere is just incredible.

“Everyone is so happy to be back.”

The Independent has contacted the organisers of Fudstock for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in