Child airlifted to hospital after ‘falling from rollercoaster’ at North Yorkshire theme park

A six-year-old boy has been airlifted to hospital after reports of a serious incident at Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire.

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by air ambulance, but his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

The boy is believed to have fallen from the Twister rollercoaster at the park near Ripon.

Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing the boy “hanging backwards” from the carriage.

Lightwater Valley said: “We can confirm that following an incident on one of our rides this morning, a child is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

“Emergency services have confirmed the child was conscious when they arrived at the scene and his condition is not believed to be life threatening.

“The ride remains closed at the current time but the rest of the park is still open.”

The park added: “We take the health and safety of our visitors very seriously and are committed to providing support to the affected family. We will continue working closely with the HSE and emergency services.

“The ride concerned will remain closed until a full investigation has taken place.”

Lightwater Valley was founded by Robert Staveley and initially evolved from a small farm attraction.

The park, which attracts approximately 500,000 visitors per year, was sold to Harrogate businessman Ian Cunningham, via his Livingstone Leisure vehicle in 2017.

In 2017, Lightwater Valley was fined £57,000 after a five year-old girl was injured when her leg was trapped in a rollercoaster in 2012.