Woman taken to hospital after ride 'failed and crashed' in Birmingham city centre

A woman was taken to hospital after a fairground ride "failed and crashed" in Birmingham city centre.

Emergency services were called to Centenary Square just after half past seven after a ride "dropped to ground level whilst in operation".

The ambulance service said the woman's injuries were not thought to be serious - eleven other patients were also assessed and discharged at the scene.

The rides were shut down and cordoned off by police.

West Midlands Fire Service said it responded to the incident at around 7.30pm. Their statement reads: "We responded to an incident at Victoria Square outside the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.

"One fire engine from Ladywood fire station attended, and arrived in just over four minutes.

"This incident involved a fairground ride that had failed and crashed. The ride dropped to ground level whilst in operation.

"We assisted Ambulance colleagues with treatment of a number of casualties, whose injuries are not life-threatening.

"One casualty has been conveyed to hospital, with several others discharged on scene. We are not working on the rescue of any further casualties. This incident has now been left with West Midlands Police."

West Midlands Ambulance Service said two ambulances, five paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor, critical care paramedic, two Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) emergency doctors and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were sent to the scene.

Their statement reads: "We were called at 7.29pm to an incident at Centenary Square in Birmingham.

"One patient, a woman, has been conveyed to hospital with injuries not believed to be serious.

"11 other patients have been assessed and discharged at the scene. We remain on scene and more information will follow when available."

West Midlands Police said it's urging people to avoid the area.

Their statement reads: "We currently have officers in Centenary Square, Birmingham following reports of an issue with one of the rides.

"A small number of people are being treated at the scene by paramedics, but no serious injuries have been reported.

"Centenary Square remains cordoned off this evening while we support our emergency service colleagues. Please avoid the area."

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