Menu
24/07/2006
Investigation launched into 'sculpture' deaths
An investigation has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive and Durham Police into the deaths of two women who were killed when an inflatable sculpture broke free of its moorings.
The accident happened at Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street on Sunday afternoon. The 'Dreamscape' inflatable sculpture, created by artist Maurice Agis, broke its moorings and rose about 30 feet in the air, before colliding with a post supporting a CCTV camera, which brought it to the ground.
It is believed that up to 30 people were inside the inflatable, which features several different inflated rooms, constructed out of translucent PVC sheets, which are connected by tunnels, allowing the public to walk around inside.
A 68-year-old woman from Seaham and a 38-year-old woman from Chester-le-Street were both killed in the accident.
A three-year-old girl from Langley Park remains in a serious condition in Newcastle General Hospital.
Thirteen people - both children and adults - were injured.
The 'Dreamscape' artwork has featured at venues around the world and recently appeared on the Derren Brown television show.
Mr Agis is understood to have witnessed the accident and is reported to be "very distressed".
Police have not ruled out foul play as the cause of the incident. It has been reported that a specialist engineer has been brought in to examine the structure's design, while the deflated structure, ropes and anchor pins have been taken by police.
Police have appealed for anyone with film footage of the incident or any information to contact: 0845 6060 365.
A trauma counselling service has also been established for members of the public affected by the incident. The number is: 0800 068 5155.
(KMcA/SP)
The accident happened at Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street on Sunday afternoon. The 'Dreamscape' inflatable sculpture, created by artist Maurice Agis, broke its moorings and rose about 30 feet in the air, before colliding with a post supporting a CCTV camera, which brought it to the ground.
It is believed that up to 30 people were inside the inflatable, which features several different inflated rooms, constructed out of translucent PVC sheets, which are connected by tunnels, allowing the public to walk around inside.
A 68-year-old woman from Seaham and a 38-year-old woman from Chester-le-Street were both killed in the accident.
A three-year-old girl from Langley Park remains in a serious condition in Newcastle General Hospital.
Thirteen people - both children and adults - were injured.
The 'Dreamscape' artwork has featured at venues around the world and recently appeared on the Derren Brown television show.
Mr Agis is understood to have witnessed the accident and is reported to be "very distressed".
Police have not ruled out foul play as the cause of the incident. It has been reported that a specialist engineer has been brought in to examine the structure's design, while the deflated structure, ropes and anchor pins have been taken by police.
Police have appealed for anyone with film footage of the incident or any information to contact: 0845 6060 365.
A trauma counselling service has also been established for members of the public affected by the incident. The number is: 0800 068 5155.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 March 2015
MoJ Reveal Drone Used In Prison Smuggle Attempt
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has revealed that a drone was used to try and smuggle a package into the grounds of HMP Bedford. An MoJ spokesperson said that the aircraft was "quickly intercepted by vigilant staff" on 06 March.
MoJ Reveal Drone Used In Prison Smuggle Attempt
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has revealed that a drone was used to try and smuggle a package into the grounds of HMP Bedford. An MoJ spokesperson said that the aircraft was "quickly intercepted by vigilant staff" on 06 March.
14 February 2008
Inflatable 'Sculptor' Facing Death Charges
The sculptor who created a giant inflatable artwork, which flipped over in a freak gust of wind and killed two women, has been charged with manslaughter. Maurice Agis, 76, from Bow in east London, was charged with gross negligence manslaughter and also faces a charge under health and safety laws.
Inflatable 'Sculptor' Facing Death Charges
The sculptor who created a giant inflatable artwork, which flipped over in a freak gust of wind and killed two women, has been charged with manslaughter. Maurice Agis, 76, from Bow in east London, was charged with gross negligence manslaughter and also faces a charge under health and safety laws.
25 July 2006
Toddler saved by off-duty doctor
The father of a three-year-old girl who was seriously injured in the inflatable sculpture tragedy in Co. Durham has told how an off-duty anaesthetist "probably saved her life".
Toddler saved by off-duty doctor
The father of a three-year-old girl who was seriously injured in the inflatable sculpture tragedy in Co. Durham has told how an off-duty anaesthetist "probably saved her life".
12 September 2014
Police Appeal For Witnesses To Fatal Car Park Accident
A two-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car in a north-west London supermarket car park. Police have appealed for witnesses. Metropolitan Police has said that the child was hit by a vehicle in the car park of Asda in Forty Lane, Wembley. She was treated by paramedics but later died in hospital.
Police Appeal For Witnesses To Fatal Car Park Accident
A two-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car in a north-west London supermarket car park. Police have appealed for witnesses. Metropolitan Police has said that the child was hit by a vehicle in the car park of Asda in Forty Lane, Wembley. She was treated by paramedics but later died in hospital.
03 May 2007
Teenager questioned over fatal stabbing
A teenager is being questioned in connection with the stabbing of a 16-year-old Tyneside boy. Police are investigating the murder of Mark Smith, 16, from St John's Walk, Newcastle, who was stabbed and later died in hospital.
Teenager questioned over fatal stabbing
A teenager is being questioned in connection with the stabbing of a 16-year-old Tyneside boy. Police are investigating the murder of Mark Smith, 16, from St John's Walk, Newcastle, who was stabbed and later died in hospital.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Sunny intervals and scattered showers in the afternoon, these could be heavy at times. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Remaining cloudy with a few showers continuing through the evening. Some drier, clearer spells in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
