New pictures of rollercoaster victim as family dealt another 'disappointing' blow
The horrific incident left Shylah Rodden, then 27, with significant, life-changing injuries. Her devastated family are still dealing with the tragic consequences.
The family of Shylah Rodden, who was near-fatally struck by a rollercoaster at the Melbourne Show, have shared new photos of her, almost two years after the tragic incident which left her fighting for her life.
Shylah, then 26, was critically injured after being hit by a carriage thought to be travelling at 70km/h, sending her nine metres into the air, before falling to the ground. At the time, it was believed she climbed onto the tracks to fetch her phone which she'd dropped.
The accident left the Melbourne woman in a coma having suffered severe brain damage and extensive injuries to her head, pelvis, arms, legs and back, her father revealed at the time. Now, two years on, she's been left partially blind, deaf and brain-damaged and still requires full-time care.
Photos show Shylah Rodden's remarkable recovery
A new photo released by the victim's family shows the 28-year-old in good spirits, smiling outside a café, with no obvious sign of injury. It is in contrast to hospital photos of Shylah not long after the accident where she is sporting a black eye and a neck brace, and has a large gash on her forehead.
Speaking to media this week her mum Kylie Rodden admitted that while she has progressed, "she still has a long way to go". "Sometimes she needs the support of a walking frame and a wheelchair, she can only go a limited time before she has to rest," she said.
She also has "no sense of smell" and "has difficulties swallowing". "She has cognitive disabilities and impairments," her mother told the Herald Sun.
Miraculously, the 28-year-old is able to walk and talk after fears she'd never be able to.
"They told me that Shylah would never walk, Shylah would never talk and that she would probably spend the rest of her life in a nursing home," Kylie told 9News.
'Disappointing' findings after WorkSafe investigation
It comes as WorkSafe Victoria concludes its investigation into the incident, reportedly ruling neither the ride operator or engineer breached any occupational health and safety rules. Following the accident, the ride was shut down as WorkSafe Victoria investigated, with help from Victoria Police.
Royal Melbourne Show later confirmed "the ride is safe," according to a statement shared by media, and was reopened days after the tragedy. At the time, Rodden's family slammed the decision to reopen the ride so soon, telling 7News they're "saddened and appalled".
In a statement to media this week, a WorkSafe spokesperson said: "After careful consideration of the evidence, WorkSafe has determined not to take further action against any duty holder on this matter at this time".
The Rodden family say the findings are 'disappointing' and are reportedly waiting for the full WorkSafe report before they decide if they can take civil action.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
