Boy who fell from Lightwater Valley rollercoaster ‘recovering’

The seven-year-old boy thought to have fallen from a rollercoaster at Lightwater Valley is now breathing independently, police have said.

The boy’s injuries were first thought to be non-life threatening after falling between 15-20ft from the Twister rollercoaster.

But his condition worsened and North Yorkshire Police said on Friday he was fighting for his life.

Now he is able to breathe independently, police said, and his condition “continues to improve”.

On Sunday, North Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “The condition of a seven year-old boy, being treated in hospital after being injured at Lightwater Valley, is said to be improving.

“The boy is being treated at Leeds General Infirmary after being injured in an incident at Lightwater Valley Theme Park near Ripon on Thursday May 30 2019.

“He was treated at the scene, with what was initially believed at to be non-life threatening injuries, and airlifted to hospital where his condition was later described as stable but critical.”

A force spokeswoman said that the boy is now breathing independently and “his condition continues to improve.”

A joint investigation between North Yorkshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive is underway.