AN INVESTIGATION is underway after two women and a child from Bury were injured on a fairground ride in Heaton Park.

More than 30,000 people packed into the park to enjoy a fireworks display and funfair last Wednesday night.

But a ski jump ride collapsed at about 8.30pm, injuring three Bury people.

Vicki Briggs, aged 29, and her four-year-old daughter Ruby ,and friend Ambreen Khan, aged 26, suffered facial, leg and back injuries and were treated by St John Ambulance staff at the scene. They did not require hospital treatment.

Witnesses said the foundations of the ride appeared to give way and the carriages dropped down suddenly, causing some of the riders to hit the safety bars.

A St John Ambulance spokesman praised their colleagues for responding quickly and effectively to help those injured.

Lauren France, a photography student at Bolton College, was on the ride with her six-year-old son Alfie, although they were not injured.

The 26-year-old said: "I actually said when we got on the ride it felt unsturdy and not safe.

"It was already moving and there was nothing we could do.

"Alfie was happy and enjoying himself until there was a loud bang and it jolted quickly.

"After the incident, the fairground workers were trying to put the ride back together and put the wheels back on the track.

"Accidents happen. I'm just glad everyone's okay and it wasn't worse."

Ms Briggs said she heard a sound similar to a bolt coming out of the ride about a minute after it started.

She added: "The ride started to collapse underneath us. Ruby suffered a knock to her cheekbone and I hurt my back."

Ms Khan said: "Ruby was screaming and I was hurt because of the impact of the metal bar across the carriage on my legs at the top of my thighs."

The ride was closed down and was inspected by police officers, who alerted the Health and Safety Executive.

The ride is owned by Richard Cubbins and Son, and a spokesman for the company said the Health and Safety Executive was investigating, as was the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, of which the firm is a member.

He said: “We provided the ride to someone else and what happened was unfortunate.

"Though I do not wish to comment any further on this particular incident, the safety record of fairground rides throughout the area is exemplary."

A Manchester City Council spokesman said: “A mechanical failure caused the derailment of a carriage and the collapse of a section of platform on a fairground ride at the funfair during bonfire night celebrations.

“Thankfully no one was seriously hurt, and those that did suffer minor injuries were checked on site by the St John’s Ambulance.

“In compliance with our policy, all fairground rides provided the necessary safety and insurance documents in advance of the evening's festivities.

“As soon as the problem occurred, all the relevant authorities were informed and the ride was closed. The Health and Safety Executive is currently looking into the incident.”