Inquiry underway after two injured from Clacton Pier ride
A man and a woman were taken to hospital yesterday
Last updated 27th Jun 2023
Two people have been taken to hospital following an incident yesterday (June 26) on Clacton Pier.
A long-standing member of staff at the attraction and a woman who was in the front car of the Looping Star ride were both injured during the incident yesterday just after 12pm.
Emergency services were called and took the two people to Colchester hospital.
The man suffered a cut to his head and the woman had a bump to her head and was also suffering from shock.
The ride is currently closed.
A blog post from Clacton Pier and their Pier Director Billy Ball said that both were able to walk to the ambulance and that 'from the early eye-witness reports, it is understood that the ride itself was not at fault.'
Billy Ball said in the Pier's press release:
“A full inquiry is now underway into what happened and we will be able to say more in due course when we have the full details,”
“The ride will not be in operation until all the facts have been established as would be normal in this type of incident.”
He told how all the emergency services were dispatched immediately due to the nature of the attraction.
“We can only praise all of them for arriving so promptly and taking over the care of the two casualties after they had initially been looked after by pier staff,” he added.
“At Clacton Pier the safety and well-being of our staff and guests is our number one priority.”
Essex Police said it was "reported that a member of staff had sustained serious injuries after colliding with a mechanical ride which had not deviated from its track".
A pier worker dialled 999 and police, fire and ambulance services all attended.
Essex Police said emergency workers attended the pier at around 12.40pm.
"It was reported that a member of staff had sustained serious injuries after colliding with a mechanical ride which had not deviated from its track," a force spokesman said.
"A second person, a member of the public, also received minor injuries and both have been taken to hospital for treatment.
"We are liaising with Clacton Pier and the Health and Safety Executive on the incident.
"If you witnessed the incident or have mobile phone footage of it, please get in contact."
Witnesses are asked to report details to police online or on 101 quoting incident 664 of June 26.