Tragic rollercoaster victim Shylah Rodden reportedly got into an argument with ride operators before she was struck by a rollercoaster at the Melbourne Royal Show in 2022. Ms. Rodden, who was 26 years old at the time, suffered critical injuries during the incident. After a thorough investigation that lasted nearly two years, WorkSafe Victoria decided not to press charges against the ride operator or the Melbourne Royal Show.
Shylah’s mother, Kylie Rodden, expressed her frustration with this decision and launched a media campaign to criticize the workplace authority. However, new information has emerged regarding the events leading up to the tragic accident. Sources close to the investigation revealed that Ms. Rodden’s actions played a significant role in the incident.
According to witnesses, Ms. Rodden, who was working at a lolly stand at the show, dropped her phone and attempted to retrieve it from under the tracks of the rollercoaster. Ride operators informed her that she would need to wait for up to 30 minutes to access the area where her phone fell. Despite this, Ms. Rodden insisted on retrieving her phone immediately and disregarded the safety protocols in place.
The investigation found that the ride operators had followed all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the show attendees. They had a system in place to retrieve items that fell from the ride without stopping it every time. Unfortunately, Ms. Rodden’s impatience led to the tragic outcome.
Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer Sharlene Mehta, representing Ms. Rodden’s family, stated that they had not received the final report from WorkSafe and could not comment on the allegations. The family was informed of WorkSafe’s decision through a letter, which did not provide detailed information about the investigation.
Despite the miraculous recovery that now allows Shylah to walk and talk, her mother revealed that she would require full-time medical care. The Royal Melbourne Show and WorkSafe Victoria did not respond to inquiries about the matter. As Shylah’s legal team seeks to obtain a copy of the investigation report, they may consider pursuing civil action against the ride operator.
The focus of WorkSafe’s investigations is on the risk factor of workplaces rather than the outcomes of accidents. This approach ensures that duty holders are held accountable for maintaining safe environments for employees and the public. Shylah’s legal team may need to file a Freedom of Information Act request to access the investigation report for potential civil action.
The chain of events leading to Shylah Rodden’s tragic accident sheds light on the importance of following safety protocols and guidelines in amusement parks and other public spaces. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of disregarding established safety measures. The details of the investigation highlight the complexity of determining liability in such incidents and the legal steps involved in seeking justice for the victims and their families.
