Boy fighting for life after Rye Easter carnival show ride accident

A boy fighting for life in hospital after he was flung from a ride at the Rye Easter carnival is now believed to be just 5-years-old.

The boy was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital for treatment after being thrown from the ‘Cha Cha’ ride last night.

Channel 9 Today Show reporter Christine Ahern has told 3AW Mornings local police say the boy is related to a worker at the carnival where the accident happened.

‘In the report, it says this young boy had been hanging onto the side of one of the gondolas before he has fallen from it,’ she told 3AW’s Tony Jones. 

‘How he got into that situation of course, is now all part of the Work Safe investigation.’

Work Safe VIC have released a statement saying that ‘the ride may have been used by carnival workers and their families after the carnival had closed.’.

Read the full statement HERE

Click PLAY below to hear more from Christine Ahern on 3AW Mornings

Channel 7 reporter Nathan Templeton told 3AW Breakfast the boy suffered several serious injuries, including to the head.

‘We understand he was basically thrown clear and the problem is once you are airborne there’s a very good chance you’re going to be hit by another part of the ride, and we believe that’s what happened,’ he said.

‘One thing that caught my eye (at the scene) was there was a sign on the ride that said you need to be 130cm tall you ride it, but 120cm if you’re with an adult.

‘I’m not sure why that minimum height requirement is different; i guess if there’s an adult there they can help secure you, but it seemed a little bit strange to me.’

The ride is operated by Wittingslow Amusements. WorkSafe is investigating the incident.