Sunday, December 22, 2024

Major update on investigation into Melbourne rollercoaster incident

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The investigation into an incident at the Melbourne Royal Show in 2022 that left a young woman with horrific injuries is one step closer to a resolution.

Shylah Rodden spent weeks in an induced coma after she was hit by the Rebel Coaster ride on September 24, 2022, with the confronting incident inadvertently captured on video by onlookers.

The then 26-year-old was retrieving her phone after dropping it during a ride.

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A source with knowledge of the investigation confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au the brief of evidence had been finalised by WorkSafe Victoria and handed over to barristers.

Those barristers will now scrutinise the evidence and decide if action should be taken against the operators and organisers of the show.

It comes as the two-year deadline for action to be taken approaches.

The Rebel Coaster returned to the Melbourne Royal Show last year.

Shylah’s family last spoke out in September last year to slam internet trolls for impeding her recovery by subjecting her to constant abuse.

Her mother Kylie Rodden said at the time that the family’s focus was on supporting Shylah through her recovery and helping her move on with her life.

“We are so grateful to see her progress from the horrific injuries she suffered,” Kylie said. “She has defied the odds.”

The young woman sustained horrific injuries when she was hit by the ride.
The young woman sustained horrific injuries when she was hit by the ride. Credit: 7NEWS

Rodden said the family has been reluctant to speak out due to the “relentless abuse and criticism” directed at Shylah since the accident.

“What happened was a tragic accident, which as a family we’ve had to deal with. To be hearing and reading the negative comments made in the media and on social media has been hurtful to Shylah and our family,” Rodden’s statement read.

“This sort of negativity has a real impact on the progress that has been made. We’ve done our best to shield Shylah from these comments, as so much of it has been misguided and, in many instances, cruel.

“Unfortunately, Shylah has seen these comments and they really affect her.”

The mother said she hoped the public statement will help people understand the negative comments were not helpful.

“Our wish is to keep moving forward and to enable Shylah to continue with her recovery and focus on the incredible progress that she’s making,” she said.

The family said they were eagerly awaiting the outcome of the WorkSafe investigation.

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