Anger as fair ride firm returns to scene of Birmingham crash

Two women injured in a fairground ride crash have spoken of their anger after learning the company involved was operating another ride in the same place.

Thirteen people were hurt when the 55m (180ft) City Star Flyer on Centenary Square, Birmingham, lurched backwards before crashing to the ground on 12 December.

The incident is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but Danter Attractions, which operated the ride, has been running another on the square during Spring Fun Fest, which started on 11 April.

The firm said it would not comment due to the ongoing investigation, but that the safety of its customers remained “paramount”.

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said all the necessary safety processes had been followed for the latest event.

BBC employee Louise Brown was among those who crashed to the ground in last year’s incident, suffering injuries to her face, legs and arms.

After learning Danter Attractions was involved in the Spring Fun Fest, she told BBC Midlands Today: “I feel that it’s disrespectful to the victims of the Star Flyer accident.

“There were 13 of us on that ride, we are all still suffering from ongoing physical injuries, as well as the mental and emotional injuries.”

She said injuries to her legs still affected her, and that she had been taking medication for anxiety.

“We were very, very fortunate that we weren’t low enough to actually crash into anything, we just hit the floor,” she added.

Nadiya Allom was on the City Star Flyer with her brother Syek and sister Radiya when the incident happened.

The women were hit by flying glass while Syek crashed into the ticket booth, injuring his head.

Ms Allom said her back still hurt from the crash and the mental trauma she suffered had left her with a fear of fairground rides.

“My goal last year was to be more adventurous, but I’m more limited now due to that event so I have been affected quite a bit,” she said.

Ms Allom accused Danter Attractions of not having a “sense of care” and said nobody had been in touch with her about the progress of the HSE investigation.

“I think it’s nonsensical that they’re back so soon,” she added.

An HSE spokesperson said the investigation was still ongoing and it was currently reviewing technical findings.

Following December’s incident, two people, aged 55 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and obstructing officers.

They have since been told that they will face no further action, West Midlands Police said.