New hopes for woman struck by rollercoaster at Melbourne show
The young woman who was hit by a rollercoaster at the Royal Melbourne Show has made a small step toward recovery but remains in hospital after suffering significant injuries.
Shylah Rodden, 26, was left fighting for her life after getting swept up by the moving carriage which catapulted her nine metres into the air before landing on the ground.
Ms Rodden's condition is now considered serious rather than critical, a spokeswoman from the Royal Melbourne Hospital reportedly told media. It's not known if she remains in a coma.
The horrific incident left the 26-year-old with brain damage and multiple broken bones — including her pelvis, legs and arms. It's believed she stepped onto the tracks to retrieve her phone when she was hit.
A witness who accidentally filmed the tragic accident said he "hasn't been able to sleep" since he saw it unfold.
"It all happened so quickly but so slowly," the man named Jordan told Seven News.
"All of a sudden, I saw someone getting taken up but at the same time I’m thinking 'f***, my sister, my partner'," explaining they were sitting in the front carriage of the ride.
Another close call with death
Ms Rodden's accident comes just two months after another family tragedy. In July, her brother died leaving the family devastated.
But the rollercoaster incident is the second life-changing event for the Melbourne woman. Just last year, she experienced another dangerously close call with death.
Ms Rodden had to learn how to walk again after she was in a serious car accident in Melbourne, the Daily Mail reported.
She was reportedly travelling on the Western Ring Road in January 2021 when her car collided with a truck and another car before flipping.
Last week, Ms Rodden’s dad, Alan Rodden, said his daughter is going to be in a coma "for quite a while" after sustaining devastating injuries in the accident.
"The injuries are horrific. Horrific. Even the doctors have said they haven't seen anything as bad as this for a long time," he said.
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