Woman, 11, left with bald spot after hair was torn out by arcade machine

Nov 24, 2023 at 6:27 PM
Woman, 11, left with bald spot after hair was torn out by arcade machine

An 11-year-old woman was left with a bald patch after an arcade machine ripped her hair out whereas she was bending down to select up a receipt.

Annabelle Hall was enjoying on the machines at a Coventry tenpin bowling alley when her hair was torn out by the ticket machine leaving her “extremely traumatised and distressed”, in keeping with her mom Jackie Hall.

She mentioned Annabelle’s hair grew to become caught within the machine whereas she was cashing in 1,000 prize tokens she had gained in a “spinner frenzy”, earlier than it “sucked” her hair in.

After telling employees in regards to the incident, the mum says the pair have been solely provided a free slushie and an additional 1,000 prize tokens as compensation.

Ms Hall is now contemplating taking authorized motion in opposition to the bowling alley following the accident which happened on October 30 at about 1pm.

Ms Hall mentioned: “That’s about enough to buy £3 worth of sweets. It did feel a little bit like they were trying to sweep it under the rug. If that was me I’d be mortified – especially in my line of work.

“She was printing off a receipt for the tickets and it fell on the ground. She bent down to select it up, when all of the sudden the slot within the machine the place tickets are imagined to be put, sucked up a variety of her hair and ripped it off her head.

“It was really vicious and strong – it sucked it straight up. She was crying and I rushed over, when she turned round I could see a bald spot.”

Annabelle added: “I was shocked and worried and in pain, a lot of pain, at the time. It was frightening. I want others to be careful so it doesn’t happen to them.”

Ms Hall mentioned Annabelle had been “brave” because the incident however couldn’t have a look at the bald patch.

She added: “She doesn’t really want to talk about it or look at her head and doesn’t want me fiddling about with it. She has been a bit quiet. But I think she just wanted to bawl her eyes out – she’s trying to be strong.”

A spokesperson for the bowling alley said that despite the accident no faults were identified with the machine.

He said: “Tenpin recognises our obligations to make sure a protected setting for our clients while creating a spot to have enjoyable. The machine in query was inspected, no faults have been recognized and was totally compliant with the producer’s specification.

“We offered a range of complimentary experiences for the family to return and enjoy, which were declined.”