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Theme-park worker traumatised after ride started up as she was checking it

A teen theme-park worker says she has been left traumatised terror after a colleague activated a rollercoaster she was checking as a joke.

Sasha Higgins, of Catterick Village, North Yorkshire, had to cling on when The Twister at Lightwater Valley, near Ripon, suddenly started up.

Miss Higgins, who'd been checking seatbelts on the rollercoaster before it opened to the public for the day, said her colleague laughed at her screams for help as the ride climbed 13m and spun her around in the waltzer-style carriage.

"I was totally traumatised and have been signed off work by a doctor for stress – fortunately I wasn't physically hurt but I was absolutely terrified and still feel shaken by it.”

– Sasha Higgins

Lightwater Valley said the operator had been dismissed following the incident.

"We sincerely apologise to the member of staff for what happened.

"We have always been and continue to be committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all our visitors and employees.

"Following this incident, our main concern was the welfare of the ride attendant who was checked by trained first aiders. There were no injuries but she was understandably shaken by the experience and we have remained in contact with her.

"The fully trained, experienced, senior ride operator involved was immediately dismissed after the incident.

"Everyone at Lightwater Valley is given full health and safety training and are aware of their responsibilities - we will not tolerate behaviour that puts any of our visitors or employees at risk."

– Lightwater Valley spokesperson

In 2001, student Gemma Savage died when two cars collided on the ride, then known as the Treetop Twister.