Man dies after accident at amusement park as health and safety probe launched

25 April 2023 , 17:54

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Police at the scene of the incident at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park (Image: ChronicleLive)

An amusement park worker has died following an accident on a ride.

The man, who police have not yet named, suffered serious head injuries during an accident on a ride at Ocean Beach Amusement Park in South Shields, Tyneside, last month.

The 52-year-old was left fighting for his life in a critical condition at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary following the incident on Sunday, March 19, Chronicle Live reports.

Northumbria Police has now confirmed that the worker has sadly passed away.

Officers worked with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigating the the incident and have now confirmed there was no criminal element to it.

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A spokesperson said: "A full investigation was carried out into a report that a man had been injured in a workplace accident at Ocean Beach Amusement Park in South Shields last month.

A park staff member in his fifties has since died in hospital (ChronicleLive)

"Officers worked alongside the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to carry out a range of enquiries into the incident and are satisfied that no criminal offences were committed.

"The man injured has since sadly died and all our thoughts are with his family. A report has been made for the coroner."

A HSE spokesperson added: "We offer our condolences to the family. This matter has been passed to the coroner."

Police, paramedics and the air ambulance were called to the amusement park last month following reports of a workplace accident and a cordon was put up by officers.

Ocean Beach Management, which runs the amusement park, confirmed that a work-related incident had taken place which involved a member of staff during daily testing and maintenance.

At the time, they said: "This happened at ground level on an amusement ride before it was open to the public. No other employees or members of the public were injured."

Ocean Beach Management was contacted for comment.

Kristy Dawson