An 18-year-old woman remains in hospital with what authorities have described as “potentially life-changing” injuries after a harrowing incident on a fairground ride in Hampshire. The event unfolded at the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show, near Southampton, late on Saturday evening.
Emergency services were alerted just before 11pm, responding swiftly to the urgent call from the popular fair. According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, the injured teen was rapidly transported for urgent medical treatment following the ordeal. The force confirmed they are actively investigating the incident, working in close partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to determine how such a tragedy occurred.
Witness accounts paint a disturbing scene. Speaking to the BBC, one woman who was among the first to offer help described an overwhelming atmosphere of shock and alarm at the fairground. “One of the girl’s friends came down and said how serious it was and some of us offered assistance,” she detailed, still clearly shaken by the ordeal. “It’s very shocking it could happen on a fairground ride that young children go on. This must never happen again.”
Further details have emerged suggesting that the teenager’s hair became ensnared in the machinery beneath the ride’s floor, specifically between a series of rollers. According to another witness, the force of the moving parts was so great that it tore away a portion of her scalp. “First responders were already on the scene, so I cradled the girl’s head and kept talking to her,” the helper recounted in an interview with local press.
Festival organisers have since taken decisive action, immediately shutting down the ride for the remainder of the event. This move comes amid mounting concern from attendees and local residents alike, many of whom are now questioning the safety protocols in place at such public gatherings. The Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show, which has taken place annually since 1971, is regarded as one of the region’s key summertime family attractions.
“This incident is a disturbing reminder of the potential dangers present even in environments that are meant to be safe and joyful,” commented a local safety campaigner not affiliated with the event. “It is crucial that thorough checks are done regularly and that both staff and fairground operators remain vigilant, especially with rides that attract a significant number of young people.”
Police have appealed for further witnesses who may have information or footage relating to the event to come forward. In a statement, a spokesperson for Hampshire Police said, “We were called at 10.53pm on July 26 with reports that an 18-year-old woman had sustained potentially life-changing injuries to her head while on a ride at Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show. She was taken to hospital for treatment. Police attended and continue to liaise with the Health and Safety Executive.”
Meanwhile, the wider community has expressed sympathy and support for the young woman and her loved ones. Messages of concern have flooded social media, with many locals hoping for her recovery and calling for transparency regarding the ongoing investigation.
As the HSE and police inquiry continues, the focus turns towards both supporting the injured teen and ensuring lessons are learned to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case has intensified discussions around fairground safety standards and the responsibilities of event organisers, with many calling for stricter regulations and more frequent inspection of carnival rides.
The tragic events at Netley Marsh have cast a shadow over an otherwise well-enjoyed summer festival, once again highlighting the critical importance of health and safety measures in environments designed for family fun. Updates will follow as authorities work to provide answers and accountability in the wake of this awful accident.