£350k fine for theme park after seven-year-old thrown from rollercoaster

He was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary on May 30, 2019, with serious head injuries, after the theme park failed to correctly follow safety procedures.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that although the Twister ride stated that those between 1.2m and 1.5m tall must wear seat belts on the ride, several children under 1.5m in height were not wearing them.

The HSE investigation reviewed CCTV evidence, which was played at court, showing Lightwater Valley’s breach in safety procedures along with statements by members of the public.

The investigation also found that on examination of the restraining systems, many belts were not functioning correctly and that on several occasions, “the final position of the lap bar restraint allowed significant gaps to remain and did not fully contain smaller passengers.”