Park worker's death was "misadventure"

An inquest jury has returned a verdict of death by misadventure on a theme park worker hit by a rollercoaster train.

Harold Matthews, 59, of Merton Road, Wigan, died after the accident at Camelot in Chorley, Lancashire, in October last year.

He was standing by the side of the Gauntlet ride when he was hit by the train.

The inquest at Preston heard Mr Matthews, who was described as a "skilled and conscientious engineer", had been greasing the track after problems with the Gauntlet.

'Serious' injuries

He had been leaning over the track applying the grease when he was struck by the train.

A pathologist told the hearing the injuries were the most serious she had seen.

The Health and Safety Executive is still investigating the incident which happened in October last year.

Coroner Howard McCann described it as "a very tragic accident".