When Rides Go Wrong
In 2016, in the United States alone, emergency rooms saw an estimate of 30,000 injuries sustained by individuals who were in attendance at amusement parks, with some of those injuries even being fatal. This can often be caused by operation error during the setup process or while the ride is active, which can result in catastrophic injuries.
In 2013, at the NCS Fair in North Carolina, a ride known as the Vortex was immediately shut down due to a malfunction that caused five riders to be severely injured. The Vortex allegedly slowed to a stop, leading guests to believe the ride was over. When the restraints unlocked, the individuals who were on the ride started to get off, when the ride suddenly activated and started back up. Although signaled to stop the ride, the operator panicked and did not do so. Some riders were able to hold on and avoid injuries, but others were thrown off, falling from nearly the highest point of the ride and sustaining serious injuries.
Victims of the malfunction on the Vortex suffered brain, spinal cord and neck injuries due to the negligence of amusement park staff. Most of those injuries were so serious that, according to one medical expert’s evaluation, they were estimated to exceed $30 million. Unfortunately, as thrill rides become larger, faster, and more elaborate, they can also become more dangerous.