2 examples of tragic amusement park accidents
California residents love going to amusement parks for a day of fun with family and friends. During these outings, however, we rarely consider how dangerous rollercoasters and other rides are. This does not mean that the dangers aren’t there.
If you need a reminder of how dangerous amusement parks can be, take the following two tragedies for example:
- The Fire Ball ride at the Ohio State Fair: In July 2017, a ride malfunction in Columbus, Ohio, led to the death of one man and seven more people required hospital care. The malfunctioning ride, the Fire Ball, was at the Ohio State Fair. The malfunction resulted in two individuals being thrown from the ride. More riders ended up crashing into the ride platform beneath them.
- The Thunder River Rapids Ride at Dreamworld in Australia: Late last year, four people died while riding the Thunder River Rapids Ride at Dreamworld in Australia. Two of the victims were ejected from the ride. Two others got trapped on the ride. Investigators still haven’t been able to determine how all the victims died. However, witnesses said that one of the victims drowned, and the other victims were heard screaming. The entire theme park closed for one day after the accident to give respect to the victims.
These are just two examples of some of the most tragic theme park accidents to happen recently. However, accidents and injuries happen on a daily basis at theme parks, which present more dangers than you might immediately think. If you or a loved one were hurt in a California theme park accident, you might be able to pursue financial restitution and justice in court.
Source: Ranker, “The Worst Amusement Park Ride Accidents,” accessed Sep. 21, 2017