In a startling incident at the Arkansas State Fair, a family's carnival adventure took an unexpected and harrowing turn, leaving them shaken and questioning the safety of amusement park rides. The ordeal, captured on camera, has ignited a broader discussion about the measures in place to ensure the well-being of fairgoers.
Ride Malfunction Leaves Children Dangling Upside Down
Panic and Distress as Ride Fails to Cooperate
The incident unfolded on a Saturday afternoon at the Arkansas State Fair, where a mother, Ally Metzger, and her two children, an 11-year-old and an 8-year-old, were enjoying the carnival rides. What was supposed to be a thrilling experience quickly turned into a nightmare when the family became trapped on the X-Drive ride. Metzger's cellphone video captured the terrifying moments as the ride malfunctioned, leaving her children hanging upside down for an agonizing 15 minutes.As the ride crew struggled to bring the ride back to its landing position, Metzger and her partner watched in horror, unable to do anything to help their children. The ride would almost reach the halfway point, only to snap back up to the top, leaving the children dangling helplessly. Metzger's 11-year-old daughter appeared to have passed out, further exacerbating the family's distress.
Ride Crew's Efforts to Evacuate Trapped Riders
According to Scooter Korek, the vice president of client services for North American Midway Entertainment, the ride's computer system detected a fault, triggering an automatic shutdown. This left the ride suspended in the air, with the children still strapped in. Korek explained that the ride crew followed the manufacturer's evacuation protocols, working to safely remove the trapped riders.The ordeal lasted approximately 10-12 minutes, with the ride crew meticulously following the established safety procedures to ensure the children's safe descent. Korek emphasized the company's commitment to safety, stating that their rides undergo rigorous inspections and that their employees are trained to handle such situations.
Lasting Impact on the Family
The traumatic experience has left a lasting impact on the Metzger family. Ally Metzger expressed her intention to file a complaint with the Arkansas State Fair, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation and potential improvements to ensure the safety of future fairgoers.The incident has also shaken the family's confidence in carnival rides, with Metzger's children expressing a reluctance to participate in any more such activities. The family's plans for the upcoming weekend were disrupted as they grappled with the emotional aftermath of the harrowing ordeal.
Rigorous Safety Measures and Inspections
In response to the incident, North American Midway Entertainment, the company responsible for the rides at the Arkansas State Fair, emphasized their commitment to safety. Korek stated that the rides undergo a five-level inspection process, involving safety directors, state fair inspectors, supervisors, and third-party periodic inspections. He also highlighted the crucial role of the ride operators, who are trained to handle various situations and travel with the rides wherever they go.Despite these assurances, the Metzger family's experience has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the safety protocols and the need for continuous improvement in the amusement park industry. As the investigation into the incident continues, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of fairgoers and restoring public confidence in the safety of carnival rides.
