The tragic death of an individual at a state fair in Ohio has joined growing concerns about the safety of rides at fairs and amusement parks across the country and even around the world. According to a CNN report, the fair’s “Fireball” ride broke apart during operation, propelling riders through the air between 20 and 50 feet.
One person died and several others were injured. The medical director at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where the victims were taken for treatment, stated: “…this was a great force and a great mechanism, really consistent with a high-speed motor vehicle crash with an ejection, really something more along those lines.”
Fairs and Amusement Parks Draw Millions of Visitors
According to Ohio State Fair organizers, the fair brings in massive crowds. Each year, the event attracts about 920,000 people. Organizers also claim that the rides are inspected prior to the fair opening to the public. The chief inspector told CNN, “It was inspected at a couple of different stages and it was signed off today.”
CNN reported that a similar ride in California was shut down when local authorities inspected it a second time.
How Often Do Amusement Park Accidents Happen?
Amusement parks are big business, especially in the United States. You need look no further than Disney World to see how the U.S. has become the go-to destination for big thrills and themed fun. Amusement parks provide families and thrill seekers alike with a convenient place to enjoy time together and get their adrenaline pumping in a “safe” environment.
But how safe is it, really?
According to a Time report, an average of 12 children are treated in emergency rooms for amusement park injuries in the U.S. every single day. Some of these injuries are relatively benign. There are extreme sunburns and sprained ankles. But some injuries are horrific. Children have had their scalps torn from their heads. A teenage girl in New York fell 25 feet from a ride and was caught by passersby. A 10-year-old boy was decapitated on a waterslide in California. These are tragic events that should never happen on a day when a child is supposed to be having fun with his or her family and friends.
Philadelphia amusement park safety lawyer Rand Spear explains, “As a parent, it’s tough to balance letting kids explore the world and have adventures with keeping them safe from harm. Most parents view amusement parks as perfectly safe. The key is to use your judgment when it comes to fairs and amusement parks. If a park or particular ride looks poorly maintained or under-staffed, it’s probably best to skip it.”
If you or your child has been injured at a fair or amusement park, you have important rights; contact a lawyer who specializes in amusement park injuries.
Contact Philadelphia Amusement Park Injury Lawyer
Rand Spear today at 1-877-GET-RAND.
Sources:
- http://time.com/4775387/amusement-parks-child-safety-accidents-thrill-rides/
- http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/26/us/ohio-state-fair-ride-incident/index.html
- https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/florida/articles/how-orlando-became-the-theme-park-capital-of-the-world/