Family demand action after six-year-old son suffers ‘horrific’ injuries on Ghost Train

Picture shows Thomas Russon from Sheffield who was injured while riding a Ghost Train ride in Skegness.

Little Thomas Russon was airlifted to hospital and needed a skin graft on his injured side after falling from a carriage on the Ghost Train at Skegness Pleasure Beach, Lincs.

The Health and Safety Executive have served the ride operators with an Improvement Notice since the incident at the beginning of the summer holidays.

It relates to the supervision of children and other members of the public.

But Thomas’ dad, David, has instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to ensure that Thomas gets the treatment and rehabilitation he needs to fully recover from his injuries - and he feels the ride should be

improved.

David, from Sheffield, South Yorks., said: From Thomas injuries you can see that a carriage on the ride has dragged him along causing severe burns.

“I dont know how these rides work but there should surely be some sort of fail-safe to stop the ride, and if there is already one fitted then in my view its not sensitive enough as Thomas has needed skin grafts for the huge burns

down his side caused by the ride.

“Im glad that the company has been told to improve supervision for children on the ride but Im concerned that its not enough. Ive seen how this has

affected Thomas and it has been terrifying for all of us. I would hate for this to happen to someone else.

“Our focus remains on ensuring Thomas gets the best possible treatment he can so that he is back up and running as quickly as possible.”

Despite undergoing two operations, Thomas will still have to have more surgery at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham - and may not be well enough to return to school by September.

Andrea Burke, an expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Thomas has suffered a horrendous ordeal and will likely have to live with both the physical and mental scars for the rest of his life.

“We have begun our own investigations into what happened and our immediate priority is ensuring that Thomas and his family get the support they need to aid his recovery.

David and his family are also trying to find a woman who helped when the accident happened on July 20, so that they can personally thank her for the support she provided.

The dad added: “Wed like to speak to anyone who helped us in that initial situation where we were just in shock and some quick thinking from the female first aider in particular probably saved Thomas’ life.

“If anyone can help with any information we urge them to get in touch as we just want to say thank you for what they did to help.

The first aider is believed to be in her 30s and anyone who may be able to help

can contact [email protected] or call 0114 294 7830.