A DAD told last night how he tried to help screaming victims after a rollercoaster plunged 30ft off the track before smashing into a kiddies’ ride.
He also rescued a woman from an upside-down carriage on the Tsunami ride — which had been closed down for maintenance just hours before the horror incident at M&D’s in Motherwell, Scotland.
It left ten people needing hospital treatment, including a 12-year-old girl critically ill with head injuries.
Recalling the moment the rollercoaster hurtled off the track, Paul, from Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, said: “I was about 20ft or 30ft away on one of the other rides at the park.
“We heard a massive crash over at the Tsunami and loud screams.
“I ran over and saw the carriage was on top of a kid’s bike. It must have toppled on to the railings then fallen on to the other ride.
“I went over to see if anyone needed help. There was a boy who was still in the carriage and he was in bad shape.
“His hand was mangled pretty badly and he had a big cut on his leg.
“He was there with a friend but his parents weren’t there, so he was really upset. The lad told me his name was Liam and that he was 11 years old.
“I just tried to talk to him to keep him calm until they got him out. I really hope the medics can save his hand.”
Chief Inspector David Bruce said: “A series of five gondolas connected in a train on the Tsunami ride detached from the rails, struck the superstructure and then struck the ground.
“As a result, ten people have been injured, two adults and eight children.
“All have been taken to hospitals — Wishaw General and the Queen Elizabeth and Royal Infirmary in Glasgow.
“We’ve launched an enquiry involving Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive.”