Heartbreaking update from rollercoaster accident two years on
Two years on from a tragic accident that almost claimed the life of then 26-year-old Shylah Rodden, an investigation into the incident has been brought to a close.
In September 2022, Shylah was hit by the moving Rebel Coaster at the Melbourne Royal Show when she allegedly walked onto the tracks to retrieve her phone.
The incident cause horrific injuries, leaving Shylah in an induced coma for several weeks.
The 28-year-old is still recovering from the accident, with her mother revealing that Shylah can walk and talk but is blind in her right eye and deaf in her left ear.
“She has no sense of smell, she has difficulties swallowing, she has cognitive disabilities and impairments,” Kylie Rodden told the Herald Sun.
“Most of her days are taken up with different types of therapies.”
The mother said her daughter’s “whole life has changed” after the devastating accident.
The update on Shylah's recovery comes after WorkSafe Victoria confirmed a lengthy investigation into the incident that injured Rodden had ended and no further action would be taken.
“After careful consideration of the evidence, WorkSafe has determined not to take further action against any duty holder on this matter at this time,” a spokesperson said.
Rodden’s family said they were left “disappointed” by the decision.
“At this stage, we have only received a letter from WorkSafe advising that their investigations are complete and that they have decided not to bring a prosecution against the ride operator,” Sharlene Mehta, Rodden’s lawyer and associate with Arnold Thomas and Becker, said.
“We have not received a copy of WorkSafe’s report so we have no knowledge of what their investigations covered, or who was interviewed as part of their investigations."
“WorkSafe did not interview Shylah, nor her family in relation to the incident.”
Mehta said they were told there is an option to call on WorkSafe to reconsider its findings and potentially undertake further investigation, but they will not make a decision until they get a copy of the findings.
“The incident has had far-reaching impacts on Shylah. Whilst her recovery has been miraculous, Shylah’s injuries will carry lifelong impacts,” Mehta said.
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