Man rushed to hospital after Christmas Wonderland ride ‘went wrong’ at Essex shopping centre

• Security staff said machine at Lakeside shopping centre making ‘weird noises’ 

A man has been rushed to hospital after a Christmas Wonderland ride ‘went wrong’ at Lakeside shopping centre and injured two people. 

Paramedics, an air ambulance, and police were scrambled to the Essex shopping centre on Saturday evening and took the man to the Royal London Hospital. 

An eyewitness said security staff stopped people from going onto the site after the incident saying the machine at the Essex shopping centre had made ‘really weird noises’. 

Christmas Wonderland staff rushed to give the two guests first aid before paramedics arrived. The ride has been shut down while an investigation is carried out with the Health and Safety Executive called in. 

A spokesperson for Christmas Wonderland said: ‘We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the emergency services for their swift and professional response. 

‘The affected ride has been taken out of action and will remain closed while we cooperate with the Health and Safety Executive to conduct a thorough investigation.’

An eyewitness said security staff stopped people from going onto the site after the incident saying the machine at the Lakeside shopping centre, in Essex, had made ‘really weird noises’

‘Our priority is the safety and well-being of our guests, and we will provide an update as more information becomes available. 

‘We extend our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to those affected by this incident and are committed to supporting them during this time.’ 

The East of England Ambulance Trust said in a statement: ‘We attended the scene with two ambulances, air ambulance and two rapid response vehicles. A patient was transported to the Royal London Hospital.’ 

Essex Police confirmed officers attended but that the incident was lead by the ambulance service. 

The outdoor festive event opened its doors on November 16 and is scheduled to remain there until early January.

Christmas Wonderland is operated by Matthews Events which lists James, Thomas, and Thomas Matthews as directors on Companies House.

Love Island’s Chris Hughes appears in a promotional video on Christmas Wonderland’s website where he sings Elton John’s Step into Christmas while on a carousel and tries out the rides.   

Lakeside Shopping Centre has been contacted for further information.

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