THERE was major drama at Bolton show in 1992 when one of the highlights of the day turned into chaos.

The Black Lanyards parachute display team were due to land in the main show area at Leverhulme Park but one of their team crashed into the crowd.

Strong winds whipping around the caused part of Chris Lomax’s parachute to deflate, dragging him off course.

Bolton Council and Army bosses immediately launched an investigation into why an experienced parachutist crash-landed into a crowd of spectators dragging several of them with him.

Several youngsters were among the 11 people taken to hospital.

Thousands of people had been enjoying the show with many of them crowded round the main arena to watch the parachute display.

The skydivers had to land on a spot marked in the centre of the arena but at the last minute Chris Lomax, 32, veered off course and landed the crowd side of the safety barriers.

“He seemed to clip the top of the barrier,” said one eyewitness, John Grimes, who was standing only a few feet away.

“There was smoke everywhere from his flares at his feet, the parachute was all over the place and people were screaming.”

Jean Powers from Breightmet, whose three-year-old son sustained bruising to his leg in the incident, said: “All the youngsters thought it was part of the act and they were laughing.

“It was only when they realised people had been hurt and were obviously upset that a strange kind of hush fell over the place.”

St John Ambulance volunteers were on the scene immediately and ambulances arrived within minutes. The dazed parachutist was given oxygen at the scene before being taken to hospital after suffering arm and leg injuries.