news

Carnival ride tips over: Six hurt as Independence Day celebrations turn ugly.

Six people were harmed by faulty equipment at a carnival. The cause was likely negligence, much like our current administration. Angry? Yes—at those who put profit before people.

Published July 5, 2024 at 12:46pm by Mary Walrath-Holdridge

Malfunctioning, Hazardous Carnival Ride Injures Six at Oak Harbor's Independence Day Celebration

A serious malfunction at a Fourth of July carnival in Oak Harbor, Washington, left six people injured and rides shut down for the rest of the holiday weekend. The incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, especially those with children, as photos and eyewitness accounts reveal the dangerous nature of the malfunction.

Warning: Graphic Images: Photos on social media show the disturbing aftermath with the spinning swing ride lying toppled on its side. Thankfully, firefighters and paramedics were on-site to treat the injured, who suffered minor injuries according to officials.

One Facebook user commented: "This happened on a fairly tame ride. Imagine if the Zipper were to crap out like this." The user's reference to "The Zipper" highlights the intense nature of modern amusement rides, which can spin and turn riders upside down, posing even greater risks to riders' safety.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors. Our priority is to thoroughly investigate this incident and take all necessary measures to maintain the highest safety standards." - Police Chief Tony Slowik

Alex Bennett, a witness and parent, described the chaos:

"That was my priority to get [my son] out and then I ran back to help a woman who had hurt her leg/knee while my husband was getting another person who was stuck in a seat unstuck. [...]It could have been way worse.”

The city's response to the incident has been swift, with Mayor Ronnie Wright announcing that all mechanical carnival rides would be closed for the remainder of the weekend. The investigation is ongoing with the collaboration of carnival vendors, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and city officials to prevent future disasters.

https://www.facebook.com/OakHarbor/posts/pfbid028AbqycAp8XxGcgdwyxXzuSVSJ5kDDymjjrHd3yCreGjLawjE7msW6TDwMfpTDy7El The city's Facebook page provides updates and reassures residents that their safety is a top priority. It is imperative that we hold amusement parks and carnival operators accountable for maintaining safe environments for our communities.