Family of woman hit by rollercoaster dealt another blow

The family of a Melbourne woman who almost died after being hit by a ride at the Melbourne Royal Show has said it's disappointed WorkSafe has ruled no one should be held liable for the incident.

Shylah Rodden was left partially blind, deaf and brain-damaged after the then-26-year-old was struck by the Rebel Coaster at 70km/h in September 2022.

"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," her mother Kylie Rodden told 9News today.

Kylie said her daughter is legally blind on the right side of her eye and deaf in her left ear.

She has also been left with significant brain damage and faces a lifetime of costly medical bills.

Shylah is progressing with her recovery at home in Craigieburn and requires full-time care.

"She is such a strong, determined woman," Kylie said.

Now, the family say they've been dealt another blow, with WorkSafe ruling the ride operator or engineer did not breach any occupational health and safety rules.

"They found no evidence to criminally charge and the case was closed," Kylie said.

"No information behind their findings."

In response, 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".

Despite now being able to communicate, Shylah was not interviewed as part of the investigation.

"Certainly she should have been approached and she should have been asked for her take on what happened," Arnold Thomas and Becker lawyer Sharlene Mehta said.

When asked about reports that Shylah was hit by the rollercoaster while trying to retrieve her dropped phone, Kylie said: "I'd prefer not to answer that one. I think in time, Shylah can answer that one."

The Rodden family is waiting for the full WorkSafe report before they decide if they can take civil action.

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