10-Year-Old Boy Seriously Injured After Being Thrown from Carnival Ride at Antioch Festival
Antioch, IL – More details are emerging after a 10-year-old boy was “seriously injured” and had to be airlifted to two different hospitals over the weekend. The incident occurred at Antioch’s Taste of Summer festival on a ride called Moby Dick.
Authorities were alerted to the incident on Sunday afternoon when reports came in that a child had fallen from the ride. Upon arrival, emergency crews discovered that the boy, identified as Huntley Daniels of Antioch, had been thrown from the carnival ride.
Huntley was airlifted to a nearby hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to another hospital. A GoFundMe page has been set up by family members, stating that Huntley was flung approximately 10-20 feet in the air.
According to Antioch authorities, Huntley suffered multiple facial and jaw fractures, as well as a significant injury to the bones in one of his legs. While his injuries are not considered life-threatening, he remains in critical condition but stable and is undergoing surgery.
In response to the incident, Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner issued an executive order to halt all rides at the event. The Antioch Police Department worked to secure the ride to prevent any tampering. Additionally, an on-scene inspector from the Illinois Department of Labor was requested.
The Illinois Department of Labor, Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division is responsible for inspecting and permitting public rides. According to officials, the ride involved in the incident, operated by All Around Amusement of Lockport, Illinois, had passed inspection and was issued a permit to operate.
A DOL inspector arrived at the scene and conducted an initial inspection of the ride. A “stop order” was issued on the Moby Dick ride, prohibiting its operation elsewhere until a thorough inspection could be conducted.
The investigation into the incident is expected to take several months. The Department of Labor will conduct an independent investigation to determine if the incident resulted from mechanical failure, operator error, or a combination of both. The Antioch Police Department will also conduct its own investigation to determine if any criminally reckless or negligent acts contributed to the incident.
Antioch city leaders are scheduled to meet to discuss the incident further and work with the Chamber of Commerce to prevent similar accidents in the future.
This incident comes in the wake of other incidents on summer rides this year, including eight people being trapped upside down on a roller coaster at a festival in Crandon, Wisconsin, and the discovery of a large crack in the support column of Fury 325, a roller coaster at Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina. In another incident, a woman was struck in the head by a metal bracket that fell off a roller coaster at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, resulting in traumatic brain injuries and a lawsuit against the park and its parent company.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of carnival rides and preventing similar accidents from occurring in the future.
What actions are local officials taking to ensure proper safety measures are in place to protect patrons, especially children, at carnival rides
Or has since announced that they will be conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. They will examine the ride’s safety measures, maintenance records, and the actions of the ride operator. The ride will remain closed until further notice.
The carnival ride in question, Moby Dick, is described as a spinning ride that swings back and forth while spinning in a circular motion. This particular ride is known for its high-speed and extreme motions, making it popular among thrill-seekers.
Witnesses at the festival claim that they saw the boy being thrown from the ride, causing panic and confusion among festival-goers. Many rushed to help the injured child until emergency responders arrived at the scene.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of carnival rides at festivals and amusement parks. Local officials have stressed the importance of ensuring proper safety measures are in place to protect patrons, especially children.
The family of the injured boy has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. The GoFundMe page set up to cover medical expenses has received an overwhelming response, demonstrating the kindness and compassion of the community during this difficult time.
While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, authorities are urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward to assist in their investigation. They are also encouraging attendees who witnessed the incident to seek any necessary counseling or support services.
As the community comes together to support the injured boy and his family, there is a renewed focus on ensuring the safety of carnival rides at events like the Antioch Taste of Summer festival. It is hoped that this incident will lead to improved safety measures and regulations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
