A terrifying incident occurred at a traveling fairground in Ecuador when two gondola cars detached from a high-flying amusement park ride, leaving ten people injured, six of whom were critically injured. The incident was captured on video, showing the moment the cars broke off the swing-like pendulum ride. The ride appeared to become unstable, with a loud horn going off and the arm swinging back and forth before a thundering bang was heard as it clipped a rail on the platform. The videographer and other onlookers ran for cover as another crashing sound was heard.
One of the gondola cars collapsed on the platform of the ride with the passengers still strapped into their seats, while the other crashed to the ground on the other side. The video shows people surrounding and helping the victims, with witnesses reporting visible blood on the crashed gondolas. Pendulum rides consist of a gondola, an arm, and an axle, with one end of the arm carrying passengers while the other is attached to the axle. Lt. Col Ricardo Armas, a police spokesperson, explained that one of the mechanical arms unexpectedly came loose, causing the cars to detach. The police closed down the fair and cordoned off the faulty ride, while an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
Fire Department Chief Moisés Cano revealed that six of the ten victims had fractures and head trauma, and they were hospitalized in intensive care. The organizers have promised to cover the cost of the victims’ medical bills, with Risk Management official Stalin Quiñónez confirming that the attraction had all the necessary permits and was in full working order before the detachment occurred. Quiñónez expressed the unfortunate nature of the event and stated that investigations would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of amusement park rides and the potential risks involved in participating in such attractions. The video of the incident went viral, sparking discussions about the regulations and maintenance practices of amusement park rides to ensure the safety of riders. The terrifying nature of the accident has left many people in shock, with the victims facing a long road to recovery from their injuries. The authorities are working to understand what led to the detachment of the gondola cars and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety measures in amusement parks to prevent accidents and injuries. The impact of the incident on the victims, their families, and the community is significant, highlighting the need for stringent regulations and oversight in the amusement park industry. The focus is now on supporting the victims in their recovery and ensuring that such accidents are avoided in the future through thorough investigations and measures to enhance safety protocols. The shocking video footage has drawn attention to the potential dangers of amusement park rides and the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation to protect the well-being of riders.
