Memorial ceremony to mark 50 years since Battersea Park fairground disaster

A memorial ceremony will be held on Monday May 30 to mark 50 years since the Big Dipper disaster.

The family and friends of five young people who were killed in a fairground accident will honour their memories by planting a memorial tree near the park's peace pagoda.

The tree planting ceremony will be a prelude to a more permanent memorial that is planned for the park.

There is currently a discussion with the families and friends, as well as other interested parties about the permanent memorial.

The aim is to have a monument commemorating those who died and were injured.

On the afternoon of May 30, 1972, tragedy struck when the train became detached from its pulley at the top of a 15 metre high incline, rolled backwards, derailed and crashed, killing five young people and injuring 13 others.

Council leader Simon Hogg said: "The tragic events of 50 years ago should not be overlooked or forgotten. I am pleased that plans are being drawn up to ensure it is remembered in Battersea Park, as the local MP Marsha de Cordova has been calling for, so that the families of those involved will have the memorial they have campaigned for."