https://www.xxzza1.com
20 C
Newcastle

Teen boy dies after Easter Show stabbing

SHARE

A teenage boy is dead and another seriously injured after both were stabbed in front of witnesses at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show.

A brawl broke out at the crowded carnival ride area of the showground about 8pm on Monday, NSW Police said.

The 17-year-old suffered a critical stab wound to the chest and was given first aid at the scene by police before paramedics arrived.

He died while being transported to Westmead Hospital.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Mark Whittaker said the teen was in cardiac arrest with a traumatic chest wound when paramedics arrived.

“Paramedics performed CPR and a number of other critical interventions at the scene before loading the patient for transport to Westmead Hospital,” he said in a statement.

“Unfortunately despite best efforts, he couldn’t be resuscitated.

“There’s no doubt this would have been a very confronting scene for the dozens of witnesses who were out to enjoy an evening at the Royal Easter Show.”

A second teen, 16, was stabbed in the leg and taken to Westmead Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested nearby and taken to Auburn Police Station.

Show patrons were moved away from the area which was packed with people and is now closed while a crime scene has been established.

Videos on social media captured parts of the incident, including footage of boys brawling in a busy area by a lit up a Ferris wheel, as groups of teenagers ran through crowds and a woman yelled, “Oh s**t”.

Another video showed a teenager being led away by police.

Detectives investigating the stabbing have urged members of the public to help identify witnesses and to hand over any mobile phone footage they have of the incident.

Police will provide an update on the incident later on Tuesday.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW said it was shocked and saddened by the teenager’s death and the “adult carnival” rides area would remain closed on Tuesday.

“The RAS does not tolerate or condone any violence or anti-social behaviour and joins with NSW Police and the wider community in condemning this appalling behaviour and unnecessary loss of life.”

Meanwhile, SafeWork NSW is investigating if the Free Fall ride should be closed for the remainder of the show after a four-year-old child was left unrestrained while the ride was in operation.

A photograph on social media showed the boy sitting on the ride without a harness when it was in mid-air, while three other children on the ride were restrained.

Fair Trading Minister Eleni Petinos said she had a zero-tolerance approach towards any operator who failed to provide the highest possible safety standards.

“I can confirm that I have instructed SafeWork NSW to explore shutting the Free Fall ride for the remainder of the 2022 Sydney Royal Easter Show if patrons’ safety cannot be guaranteed,” Ms Petinos said. 

“The ride has been closed pending investigation.” 

SafeWork NSW Inspectors will continue to be a presence for the remainder of the show.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!