An eighteen-year-old has been left with injuries described as “potentially life-changing” after her hair was caught in a fun house ride at a fair.
The incident took place at Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show in Hampshire just before 11pm on Saturday.
The woman allegedly got her hair caught in the rollers on the oscillating floor, according to an eyewitness.
Emma Perry, a nurse from Southampton General Hospital, said she offered assistance to the girl when her friend came out of the ride seeking help.
She said: “Her friend came off the ride and said she was bleeding, so I offered my services as a first aider.
“When I got up there, I saw that three-quarters of the girl’s scalp had been ripped off in what we call a degloving incident.
She added: “I stayed with her, that is all I did really. I really feel for her and her family, they are the main priority.”
Emergency services attended the scene and took the teenager to the hospital for treatment.
Charles Cole, who organises the event, described it as a “freak accident” which is under investigation.
Speaking to The Echo, he said: “Nobody wants to hurt anyone, and we are a family business. Last night was very upsetting, especially for the man who owns the ride.
“Safety is our priority, and we sympathise with the girl and her parents.”
Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show has taken place every year in the small village of Netley Marsh, Hampshire since 1971.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 10.53pm on July 26 with reports that an 18-year-old woman had sustained potentially life-changing injuries to her head while on a ride at Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show.
“She was taken to hospital for treatment.
“Police attended and have liaised with the Health and Safety Executive.”
Funfair organisers decided to close the ride for the remainder of the show, which is due to end today.
