Three-year-old Ben killed in farm show tragedy
Jun 21 2008 The Journal
THE family of a three-year-old from the North East who died in an accident at a Scottish agricultural show were last night trying to come to terms with their loss.
Ben Craggs suffered fatal head injuries while he was playing around concrete bollards near the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh.
Reports have suggested a 3ft bollard fell on top of the youngster in a car park, but police are still working to find out exactly what happened.
The boy was understood to have been at the show with his parents, Dawn and Jonathan, from Sedgefield, County Durham.
Yesterday a distraught relative described the toddler as a gorgeous little boy.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “I’m a distant relation, so I’ve not had a lot of contact with the family, but it’s very sad.
“He was a lovely little boy who often came here to play. He was gorgeous.”
A man who answered the phone at a farm owned by members of the wider family said it was a terrible tragedy.
The family friend, who also asked not to be named, said Dawn and Jonathan had been in touch from Scotland.
“I knew the lad, but that was all. He’d been down a few times,” he said.
“It’s such a shame, it’s a terrible tragedy. We’re just coming to terms with it.”
The accident happened in the area of entrance gate six at the north car park, and was not within the showground itself.
Police sealed off the spot and covered the area with a blue tarpaulin.
The youngster was treated by ambulance crews who were already based at the agricultural event, but he died of his injuries on Thursday afternoon.
Police were last night continuing to find out what happened and investigating officers remained at the scene.
Lothian and Borders Police, who have urged any witnesses to come forward, confirmed family liaison officers were working with the child’s relatives.
Officers also said no cars were involved in the incident, which happened at 1.30pm on the first day of the show.
They would not comment on reports that the child may have been swinging on a chain strung between the bollards when one toppled over.
Ray Craggs, a cousin of Ben’s father, said: “We heard the terrible news about little Ben and are still trying to come to terms with this shocking accident.”
Show organiser the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland said it was co-operating with the investigation.
Chief executive Ray Jones said: “This appears to have been a tragic accident. Thoughts and sympathies are with the boy’s family at what is a very difficult time.
“We are helping with investigating agencies and co-operating fully with their inquiries.”
Community safety officers from Edinburgh City Council are also involved in the probe.
The Royal Highland Show is widely regarded as Scotland’s top agricultural show and it attracts around 150,000 visitors each year.
The event ends tomorrow.
