Tragedy struck at the Melbourne Royal Show in Australia on Sunday (25 September) when 26-year-old Shylah Rodden was critically injured by a theme park ride.
There have been mixed reports surrounding the circumstances of the accident, which took place on the fourth day of the sold-out event.
It was initially reported that Rodden was struck by a carriage after walking onto the rollercoaster track, although some eyewitnesses alleged Rodden was actually on the ride and fell off.
Shortly after the incident occurred, Victoria Police released a statement that read: "Officers are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and a crime scene has been established.
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"It appears at this early stage the woman may have walked on and entered the track to try and retrieve a dropped phone before she was hit by a roller-coaster carriage, about 5.45pm.
"Sadly the woman was then found injured on the ground. Detectives from the Yarra Crime Investigation Unit are attending the scene and will work with WorkSafe to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident."
Shortly after the incident, officials announced the coaster had been immediately shut down while the investigation continues.
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Rodden’s dad confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that his daughter is in a coma and remains in a grave condition, saying: “Obviously I can't talk to my daughter. She's going to be in a coma for quite a while.
“The injuries are horrific. Horrific. She's brain damaged. It's pelvic, her arms, legs, back, neck - there's hardly a thing that's not broken."
He added: “I just can't work out how the hell so much damage has been done. Even the doctors have said they haven't seen anything as bad as this for a long time.”
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Rodden is said to have suffered serious facial injuries during the accident and remained in a critical condition on Monday (26 September).
Rodden’s sister Caisha Rodden also spoke to the Mail, telling the paper: “Shylah was actually there working.
“She was helping out her friend at her stall for the day and she was sent on her break with another worker and they decided to go on a few rides to kill time and this happened unfortunately.”
Following the tragedy, The Melbourne Royal Sow issued a statement reading: "We are working closely with the ride operator, WorkSafe Victoria and Victoria Police to investigate the issue further; however, we can confirm that no one has fallen from the ride."
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UNILAD has approached the Melbourne Royal Show and Victoria Police for further comment.
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Topics: Australia, World News
Aisha Nozari