While amusement parks are fun for the whole family, it is also a place prone for accidents. Nonetheless, parents still bring their children to amusement parks for a day of fun and very rarely does an accident happen. Sadly, these six children in Connecticut were electrocuted on a ride this week.
ABC News reports that the incident happened in one of the rides at Ocean Beach Park in New London before 2 p.m. Police were alerted by a small child who appeared to have been shocked by electricity. When they reached the park, they found five more victims.
The six children were rushed to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital because of their injuries caused by the electrical shock. The kid with the most serious injury just normally touched the metal railing while getting off the ride and had the palms of his hands burned. The good news is none of the victims had to check-in for an overnight stay in the hospital.
As per Fox 25, the ride is called the Scrambler. For the meantime, it would be closed while investigation is still ongoing. Police suspect that a loose wire from the Octopus ride sent a current to the Scrambler through its frame. Investigation is still ongoing as to what have caused the electrical shock but Ocean Beach Park assures its goers the safety of their amusement park.
Just recently, Parent Herald reported the death of a 10-year-old boy in Kansas, Alabama from a waterslide. This raised issues on state regulations of amusement parks, something that Alabama does not require for a permanent or temporary attraction.
As per Saferparks, Connecticut amusement parks are inspected by federal authorities. Rides go through inspection of government officials and if accidents happen, the state also conducts an investigation.
Because of annual reports of injuries and deaths caused by rides in amusement parks, what do you think can the government do to fully address the problem? Comment your thoughts below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
