An eight-year-old girl has died after being thrown from a ride at the Royal Adelaide show.
The girl was flung from the Airmaxx 360 ride about 12.25pm on Friday, police say.
She suffered critical injuries, and was taken to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. SafeWork SA has confirmed to journalists that the girl has died.
Oakden girl Emily Furno, 13, saw the injured girl being taken from the scene.
“She was bleeding everywhere,” she told AAP.
“She didn’t look too good.
“Everyone who saw the accident was in shock.”
Witness Malinda Dunwoodie, 17, told News Corp Australia the girl’s safety harness was still down but it looked as if she slipped out of her seat.
“She was hanging by her legs off the ride, trying to block herself. She went flying through the air about 10-15m up in the air and I started sprinting towards her,” she said.
“I was shaking so much, she looked like a doll flying through the air.
“It was so shocking. It was like a horror movie.”
SA Police Chief Inspector Dennis Lock held a press conference this afternoon.
“Emergency services attended a show ride where a young girl had been thrown from that ride,” he said.
“A young 8 year old girl was taken to the women’s and childrens hospital where she later died.”
“Our thoughts are definitely with the family at this time.
“We have a current investigation going on for the coroner. We’re working with Safework SA with support from the Royal Show Society.
“And I just want to also thank all those members of emergency services all those members of the public who actually came forward at the time and gave absolute support to try and save this young girl.”
Royal Adelaide Show Society Chief Executive John Rothwell said the society would do everything in its power to assist the investigation.
“The society is extremely upset at the situation. We express our sincere condolences to the family..”
“The ride, Airmax 360, is a new ride at the Royal Adelaide Show this year…”
“All rides at the show must pass a national compliance audit…”
In 2000, 37 people were injured when the Spin Dragon ride collapsed in sideshow alley at the annual show.
A picture of the scene uploaded by a Twitter user.
