Amusement park accidents, while extremely rare, are the stuff of nightmares (and they make a regular appearance in horror movies). Here are some examples of the few times those devilish dreams have come to fruition:
* See also: Roller Coaster Accidents
Beware of birds
In Woldwood, New Jersey, a 13-year-old girl was injured when she got smacked in the face by a seagull while riding an amusement park ride. Ouch. I’m not sure who had the right of way in this situation. (USA Today, 7-23-2021, p. 4)
Boy thrown from carnival ride
In Antioch, Illinois, a 10-year-old boy was seriously injured after being thrown from his seat during a carnival ride. (USA Today, July 18, 2023, p. 3B)
Miniature Train Derailment Kills Child
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, 6-year-old Benji Easler was killed and dozens of other injured when the miniature train they were riding on derailed on March 19th, 2011. A coroner’s report said excessive speed led to the accident; the train was going more than 10 MPH above recommended speeds when it derailed. The state safety inspector admitted that he never tested the children’s train ride that killed the boy. Prosecutors were deciding whether to file charges. (USA Today, 3-22-2011, p. 3A; 5-25-2011, p. 5A)
See also…