Six people were injured during the Independence Day celebration in Oak Harbor, Washington State, due to a ride malfunction.
The fair was closed Wednesday night after a ride tipped over, causing “minor injuries” to riders, according to a statement from the city of Oak Harbor. Firefighters and paramedics treated all injured people at the scene before the fair was immediately closed.
Photos shared on social media show the rotating swing attraction lying on its side in the grass. Comments under posts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) expressed concern for local residents, especially children who could have been seriously injured in such a fairground accident.
Photo from the scene of the accident in Oak Harbor where the ride fell over. According to a press release from the City of Oak Harbor, six people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/ucFHzyhKgS
— Breaking Skagit (@BreakingSkagit) July 4, 2024
“This happened on a pretty harmless ride,” said one Facebook comment accompanying such a picture. “Imagine the Zipper going down like this,” referring to a more thrilling ride known for spinning and flipping upside down.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors,” Police Chief Tony Slowik said in a statement. “Our priority is to thoroughly investigate this incident and take all necessary actions to maintain the highest safety standards.”
Regard: 28 people were stuck upside down on an attraction at Oaks Amusement Park
Rides closed after swing attraction tipped over
Alex Bennett, a fairgoer who took photos of the ride after the incident, told Storyful that her son was on the swing when it tipped over.
“My priority was to get him out and then I ran back to help a woman who had injured her leg/knee while my husband freed another person who was stuck in a seat,” Bennett told Storyful, adding that she was grateful for the outcome because “it could have been a lot worse.”
On Thursday morning, the City of Oak Harbor’s Facebook page announced that all mechanical rides would remain closed for the remainder of the holiday weekend, although fairground games and non-mechanical rides would remain open. Events such as the Independence Day parade, vendor booths, entertainment, beer garden and the Whidbey Wags Pet Parade will go ahead as planned, the city said
“The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority,” Mayor Ronnie Wright said in a statement. “After careful consideration and consultation with law enforcement and city officials, it became clear that this is the best course of action to protect our community.”
The fair vendors, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and the city are working on an investigation to ensure the safety of future attractions. The local Chamber of Commerce, which plans the fair, is expected to issue a separate statement in the coming days updating the public on the status of the investigation.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Washington carnival ride tips over, leaving six injured
