In New Roads, Louisiana, a distressing incident unfolded at the Harvest Festival when two young girls, both under the age of 13, were ejected from a Ferris Wheel ride. This unsettling event occurred on a Saturday afternoon, capturing the attention of festival-goers and local authorities alike.
Eyewitnesses reported that the mishap happened around noon on November 1, when the Ferris Wheel’s bucket unexpectedly tipped over, sending the girls tumbling onto the ride’s platform. Among those present was Eddie Jones, who was in line and witnessed the accident firsthand.
“I heard a girl scream and turned to see the Ferris Wheel car had been overturned,” Jones recounted to FOX10 news. “I’m not sure how it ended up in that position, but it was stuck. Personally, I doubt I’ll ever ride a Ferris Wheel again,” he added, expressing his shock and apprehension.
The cause of the bucket’s malfunction remains unknown, yet video footage circulating online depicts the car tilted at a perilous 90-degree angle. Details about the height from which the girls fell and their current medical conditions have not been disclosed, leaving many concerned about their well-being.
“I heard a girl scream. I looked over, and the Ferris wheel car was kicked over,” he told FOX10 news. “I don’t know how it got in that position, but it was stuck,” Jones said. “Yeah, I’ll probably never get on another Ferris wheel.”
It’s unclear what caused the bucket to tip over mid ride, but video posted online shows it tilted at a 90 degree angle. It’s also unclear how high the girls were dropped from or what their current conditions are.
Both girls were both taken to the hospital, one by air and the other by ambulance, Pointe Coupée Parish Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux told ABC News.
All rides at the festival were briefly closed for inspection by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, according to WAFB. All rides have since reopened except for the Ferris Wheel and a slide beside it while they continue to investigate.
Amusement park injuries are not unheard of, but are usually pretty rare. A 2019 study reported there were roughly 3.7 injuries per 1 million amusement park visitors in the United States.
That same report said 29% of injuries were soft-tissue injuries and 28% were neck and head injuries.
