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Eight children hurt in Woking Park inflatable slide collapse Eight children hurt in Woking Park inflatable slide collapse
(35 minutes later)
Eight children have suffered "potentially serious" injuries after a fairground slide collapsed during a fireworks event.Eight children have suffered "potentially serious" injuries after a fairground slide collapsed during a fireworks event.
Woking Park in Surrey was evacuated after a giant inflatable slide collapsed at the fairground earlier.Woking Park in Surrey was evacuated after a giant inflatable slide collapsed at the fairground earlier.
Surrey Police has declared a major incident after "a number of children fell from the slide" at around 19:30 GMT on Saturday, it said.Surrey Police has declared a major incident after "a number of children fell from the slide" at around 19:30 GMT on Saturday, it said.
The most seriously injured have been taken to major trauma centres.The most seriously injured have been taken to major trauma centres.
The site was evacuated at about 20:00 to allow an air ambulance to land.The site was evacuated at about 20:00 to allow an air ambulance to land.
Police said a "giant inflatable slide had collapsed" and the ambulance service said it had "multiple crews" at the scene.Police said a "giant inflatable slide had collapsed" and the ambulance service said it had "multiple crews" at the scene.
South East Coast Ambulance Service initially said it had treated six children for "potentially serious injuries" and they were being taken to major trauma centres in London.South East Coast Ambulance Service initially said it had treated six children for "potentially serious injuries" and they were being taken to major trauma centres in London.
It was later confirmed that eight children were being treated.It was later confirmed that eight children were being treated.
The fireworks display, which had not begun, was abandoned. The fireworks display was abandoned following the injuries.
Eyewitness Oliver Trimble told the BBC a message went over the event's loudspeakers announcing the evacuation shortly before 20:00.Eyewitness Oliver Trimble told the BBC a message went over the event's loudspeakers announcing the evacuation shortly before 20:00.
He said he saw victims being treated by medics, adding: "It was quite a horrendous sight to see." He said he saw victims being treated by medics, adding: "It was quite a horrendous sight to see.
"This is one of Woking's biggest events of the year, thousands of people come to see the fireworks," he said."This is one of Woking's biggest events of the year, thousands of people come to see the fireworks," he said.
Local musician Anna Neale said she had planned to take her daughters, aged 10 and six, on the giant slide after the fireworks.Local musician Anna Neale said she had planned to take her daughters, aged 10 and six, on the giant slide after the fireworks.
"We saw all the blue lights and saw the air ambulance arriving. We all evacuated very calmly. Everyone was just shocked," the 36-year-old said."We saw all the blue lights and saw the air ambulance arriving. We all evacuated very calmly. Everyone was just shocked," the 36-year-old said.
The incident was initially reported as the collapse of a helter skelter ride.The incident was initially reported as the collapse of a helter skelter ride.
Event organisers Woking District Rotary Club tweeted: "We are all very shocked and distressed by events in the funfair this evening.Event organisers Woking District Rotary Club tweeted: "We are all very shocked and distressed by events in the funfair this evening.
"We are focussing in assisting the emergency services in dealing with the injured children."We are focussing in assisting the emergency services in dealing with the injured children.
"Our thoughts are with the children and their families at the moment," it added."Our thoughts are with the children and their families at the moment," it added.
It said the "air ambulance had left the park with the last casualties" and police have launched an investigation.It said the "air ambulance had left the park with the last casualties" and police have launched an investigation.
Woking Park has been closed to the public and the car park has been shut to all vehicles, police said.Woking Park has been closed to the public and the car park has been shut to all vehicles, police said.
Andy Datson tweeted: "Serious incident at Woking fireworks this evening. Whole park evacuated and event cancelled. Sounds like slide collapsed and children fell off."Andy Datson tweeted: "Serious incident at Woking fireworks this evening. Whole park evacuated and event cancelled. Sounds like slide collapsed and children fell off."
The 23-year-old, from Guildford, Surrey, said he saw up to 40 children playing on the attraction.The 23-year-old, from Guildford, Surrey, said he saw up to 40 children playing on the attraction.
He said he watched the fireworks with friends before seeing "flashing lights".He said he watched the fireworks with friends before seeing "flashing lights".
Joe Mercer, general secretary of the Showmen's Guild, told the BBC: "This slide has up to date test certificates and insurance documents, these have been provided to police. Our members are fully co-operating with the authorities, no arrests have been made."
He added: "Members of the Showmen's Guild operate equipment at fairs to strict safety standards that are subject to HSE scrutiny. Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident."
A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "We are aware and making initial enquiries."A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "We are aware and making initial enquiries."
Have you been affected by the inflatable slide collapse? Tell us about your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukHave you been affected by the inflatable slide collapse? Tell us about your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
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