Trampoline Park Directors in UK Could Face Imprisonment Following 11 Back Fractures

Two former directors of a trampoline park in the UK are facing a potential two-year jail sentence after 11 people suffered fractured backs in just seven weeks. David Shuttleworth and Matthew Melling, both 33 years old, pleaded guilty to health and safety offenses when they appeared in court last month, according to a report in the Independent.

The incident occurred at Flip Out Chester, where the managers initially boasted about their “Tower Jump” attraction, which allowed visitors to jump from a 13-foot tower into a foam-filled pit, claiming it was the largest of its kind worldwide. However, the severity of the injuries prompted an investigation by orthopedic surgeons at the UK’s National Health Service. Between December 2016 and February 2017, Accident and Emergency doctors reported a surge in patients with trampoline-related injuries.

One of the victims, Sarah McManus, filed a legal case against the company in 2017 after experiencing a cracking sensation in her back. She described the excruciating pain she felt upon landing, stating that she followed the park’s instructions and landed in a seated position. Despite this, she felt as if she had been winded and struggled to breathe. Eventually, she had to throw foam sponges in the air to attract attention. McManus now wears a back brace daily as a result of her injuries.

Following McManus’ accident, three more individuals suffered serious injuries on the same day, leading to the removal of the Tower Jump attraction from the trampoline park. Lucy Jones, another victim, recounted a similar experience, where she lost all feeling in her legs upon landing and experienced unbearable pain.

Chester Councillor Christine Warner expressed her concerns, stating that the trampoline park showed a complete disregard for safety regulations. The injuries sustained included 11 fractured spines, affecting both adults and children.

The trampoline park now operates under a different franchise after its dissolution. The park’s new management acknowledged the accidents and stated that the incidents were related to a specific piece of equipment that was promptly closed. They assured that their systems and procedures have significantly improved since then.