Home   Kent   News   Article

Theme park plunge girl Jessica Blake's mum relives moment she fell from bridge

Jessica Blake, seriously injured when she fell from a bridge while queuing for a ride at Chesington World of Adventures
Jessica Blake, seriously injured when she fell from a bridge while queuing for a ride at Chesington World of Adventures

by Lewis Dyson

Investigators looking into the circumstances that led to a four-year-old girl being seriously injured at a theme park are appealing for witnesses.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a probe on Monday into how Jessica Blake fell 14ft from a bridge at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey.

Jessica, from Halfway, Sheppey, was taken to St George’s Hospital, Tooting, following the accident while she was standing in the queue for the Tomb Blaster ride on June 7.

The Halfway Houses pupil suffered a fractured skull, a bleed on the brain and broken ribs.

An HSE spokesman said: “We can confirm that HSE is making an appeal for witnesses to come forward to help us. HSE staff will be available to take details.

“The investigation will continue into all the circumstances of this incident.”

She added that the timescale for a final report is “open-ended” and said that investigations can be “protracted”.

The appeal comes after Jessica's mother spoke for the first time about the moment she plunged from a bridge.

Sarah Archer told how a fence Jessica Blake had put her hands on while queuing for a ride gave way - and she fell 14ft to the ground.

Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures

Jessica Blake was injured at Chessington World of Adventures

She said: "She was in front of me. We were all stood still in the queue.

“She simply had her hands on the fence. When the people came to move along in the queue, she fell through.

"There was nothing there to protect her. I can’t really remember anything after that."

A special assembly was held at Halfway Houses Primary, in Sheerness, this week, to tell pupils what happened to her.

Halfway Houses Primary School head teacher Ryan Driver
Halfway Houses Primary School head teacher Ryan Driver

Mr Driver, pictured left, read out the poem I Wish I Had a Magic Wand by Joanna Fuchs during the assembly.

He added: "We reflected about her and sent her lots of love and good vibes because she needs it right now."

The pupils are also making video messages, while staff and children are signing cards to show their support for Jessica.

Jessica, who lives with her mother Sarah in Halfway, was queuing for the Tomb Blaster ride when she fell on Thursday.

She was taken from the Surrey amusement park to St George's Hospital, Tooting, where she remains in intensive care.

Jessica's mother Sarah Archer said: “Just a big thank you for everybody from the Island and everywhere else for their love and support."

An earlier statement from Jessica's family said: "We would like to thank all the well-wishers. Our main concern at the moment is Jessica."

Halfway Houses Primary School, Halfway.
Halfway Houses Primary School, Halfway.

Jessica Blake attends Halfway Houses Primary School

Jessica was a flower girl at her father's wedding in May.

Step-mum Sophie told friends on Facebook: “Feel useless wanna do somethin 2 help jc and I can’t. I also wish I could do more 2 help Sarah and Darren it is all a waiting game.”

A Chessington spokesman said the Health and Safety Executive had been informed and its own investigation was taking place.

He added: "At 1pm on June 7 a little girl sustained injuries following an incident at Chessington World of Adventures.

"The resort's fully-trained medical staff were on site immediately and administered direct care to the child until ambulance teams arrived. She was then taken to hospital in a conscious state.

Health and Safety Executive logo
Health and Safety Executive logo

"The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has also been advised, and we will of course co-operate fully with them on any investigations they wish to carry out.

"Until all investigations have concluded we are not in a position to comment further.

"We have been in touch with the family and all our thoughts and best wishes are with them at this difficult time."

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More