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Report says collapsed roundabout at Riverside Country Park was faulty

An investigation has found a roundabout which collapsed on top of a child at Riverside Country Park did so because there was a fault with the apparatus.

It happened last September injuring Gillingham youngster Damien Baker.

The Academy of Woodlands’ pupil suffered a fractured kneecap and cuts and bruises. Another child also suffered minor injuries.

The roundabout at Riverside Country Park was cordoned off after the accident
The roundabout at Riverside Country Park was cordoned off after the accident

An independent investigation has now found a manufacturing fault was to blame.

Damien, who was 10 at the time, was at the park in Lower Rainham Road, Gillingham, with his mum Natasha and his younger brother Josh when it happened.

He had to have his leg in plaster and was off school for several weeks

The play area was given a £100,000 makeover in 2014 with new equipment, including the roundabout.

Injured Damien, 10, was left in plaster and still suffers pain
Injured Damien, 10, was left in plaster and still suffers pain

Last week Mrs Baker said she knew the result of the investigation, adding Daimen still suffered pain in his knee.

Sarah Valdus, Medway Council’s head of environment, said the authority had arranged for the report, adding: “The independent reviewer found that there was a manufacturing fault with the apparatus.

“A new piece of equipment is due to be installed there before the school summer holidays.”

The investigation was carried out by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which provides inspections for public and commercial play areas.

Medway Norse, manages the site and maintains the play equipment on behalf of Medway Council.

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