A fairground worker in his twenties was killed at Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay on Saturday afternoon after suffering serious head injuries in a workplace accident. Families enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend attraction witnessed the tragic incident unfold around 2:15pm.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but despite extensive medical efforts, the worker was pronounced dead. Witnesses described seeing the worker "get hit in the head" by the ride as it was finishing its cycle.
Families witness tragedy
One visitor said her family was present when the accident occurred. She explained: "My family were there as it happened the ride clipped him as it was finishing and crushes him, they were trying to revive him for ages, doesn't look good for him."
Another witness described how families were still seated on parts of the ride when the incident happened. They said: "Happened just as my child got off it. We walked away and a few mins later we saw ambulances arriving and they were covering up half of the ride. People were still sat on the other half."
Birmingham Mail reports that emergency responders attempted revival efforts for approximately twenty-five minutes before the worker was pronounced dead. Nottingham Post confirms an off-duty medic provided assistance at the scene alongside official emergency services.
Investigation underway
Northumbria Police confirmed the victim's next of kin have been contacted and are being supported by specialist officers. The force said: "We have contacted the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 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. Chronicle Live reports the ride involved in the incident was taped off and remained visible on Sunday morning as the investigation continues.
Company pays tribute
Turners Funfairs, which operates Spanish City Funfair, paid tribute to their colleague in a Facebook statement. The company said: "We are heartbroken to share that one of our much loved colleagues has sadly passed away following a tragic accident at Spanish City Funfair on Saturday, August 23."
The firm added: "Our team is like a family and we are all deeply affected by this loss. As a mark of respect, Spanish City Funfair will remain closed this weekend, while we take the time to grieve together."
Sources used: "Mirror", "Birmingham Mail", "Nottingham Post", "Chronicle Live" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
