A Fife mother has spoken of her horror after her teenage son broke his hip on a controversial fairground ride.
Sharon Copland has called for a full investigation after Taylor, 16, was seriously injured when he was thrown to the floor of the Tagada at the Links Market in Kirkcaldy last week.
The Burntisland schoolboy had to have pins and plates inserted during a gruelling four-hour operation after the incident on April 17. He is now recovering at home.
Thrillseekers on Tagada-style rides are not secured by seatbelts as the attraction spins and bounces. They have to hold onto bars to prevent them falling into a circular bowl.
Dubbed “probably the world’s craziest amusement park ride”, it has been associated with injuries elsewhere and is banned in several countries.
Sharon said Taylor had stood up believing the ride had finished, only for it to suddenly restart, hurling him into the air.
His shocked friends had to drag him from the machine as he could not bear his weight.
He has been told it could take two years for his injuries to heal and he may need a hip replacement in the future.
The Health and Safety Executive is aware of the incident.
“It was the first time he had been on the ride,” said Sharon.
“He doesn’t normally go on rides as it’s not his thing but he was with his friends and decided to try it.
“It stopped and he thought that was it so he stood up to get off. Operators aren’t meant to start it again if someone’s standing up. It’s awful.”
Taylor, a pupil at Balwearie High School, was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy with a suspected broken femur but an x-ray revealed the true extent of his injury.
“It was much worse than anticipated,” said Sharon.
“The surgeon was horrified he had sustained it at the market. He’s in a lot of pain. It’s been really tough for him.”
Sharon said the safety of the ride must be examined.
“I want a full investigation,” she said.
“I don’t want any other child to go through this. I want to warn other parents.”
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive said: “HSE is aware of this incident and making enquiries.”
The Scottish Showmen’s Guild has been approached for comment.
In 2016 five teenagers were hurt when they were thrown from a Tagada ride at Ayr racecourse.
In 2011 a court heard a 12-year-old girl could have been killed after falling onto concrete in Birmingham, and the following year a 15-year-old from Newcastle suffered burns and cracked ribs.
The Tagada – Probably the World’s Craziest Amusement Park Ride
