Tis’ the season for pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin carving, candy binges, watching leaves turn, and fall festivals. Many places also hold their state fairs at this time of year, allowing for farmers to show off those prized crops. With these festivals often come thrilling rides that are often erected quickly and come down just as fast. Most states have regulations over when inspections of these rides must occur, usually when they arrive and are erected in each location. Despite the fact that these rides are inspected for safety rigorously, accidents have happened.
The New York Daily News reports a girl has died after being ejected from a festival ride in New Jersey. The incident happened on Sunday at the Deerfield Township Harvest festival. The girl was pronounced dead at about 7:20 p.m., more than an hour after the tragic accident occurred.
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Witnesses said that the girl had been riding a ride called “Extreme,” which is a ride like the “Scrambler” rides seen at many state fairs and amusement parks. The girl was not moving after she was ejected from the ride. She was airlifted to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Skelly’s Amusements, who operated the rides at the festival, informed festival goers that they would not be open on Sunday, the day after the accident. The festival parade, which was scheduled for Sunday, was also canceled.
New Jersey had given the company permission to operate the rides following the accident, but the company decided to remain closed out of respect for the family. The company was founded in 1956 and provides rides, games, food, and concessions for fairs, carnivals, and festivals.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
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