Adolescent Sustains Injuries from Ride Fall at Canada’s Wonderland

July 12, 2024 TruthUSA

A 17-year-old girl was rushed to a trauma centre after falling off a swing ride at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ont., York Regional Police say.

Officers were called to the park on July 11 at 2:42 p.m. after the teen was injured in the fall, York Regional Police Const. Lisa Moskaluk said in an email.

“There was nothing considered criminal in this incident and we stayed to assist paramedics,” Const. Moskaluk added. “There is no police investigation as there was nothing criminal involved.”

Canada’s Wonderland communications director Grace Peacock said the operators of the Swing of the Century ride reported a “guest injury” at approximately 2:35 p.m.

Park medical staff and York Regional Paramedic Services responded and the guest was taken to hospital, Ms. Peacock said in an email to The Epoch Times.

“An incident investigation is underway,” she added. “The safety of our guests and associates is our top priority.”

An inspector from Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) was on scene after the accident to determine if the ride was faulty, a TSSA spokesperson told The Epoch Times.

“TSSA did a thorough investigation and determined that the ride was safe and was approved to be put back into service,” the spokesperson said.

Canada Wonderland’s website describes the Swing of the Century as a “chair swing family ride” that can accommodate up to 48 riders at a time.

The ride has “free hanging seats” that are suspended from an elevated, rotating, and slanting tower. Guests must be 48 inches tall to ride and weigh less than 230 pounds.

“An individual lap bar and a between-the-legs safety belt secures each rider,” the website reads. “Riders will rotate in a circular motion as the tower begins to rise.”

Swing of the Century was one of the original 26 rides located on-site when the park opened in May of 1981.

The TSSA said it is imperative to follow safety guidelines to make amusement park experiences fun and safe.

The No. 1 rule for staying safe on rides is following the age, height, weight, and health restrictions listed, said TSSA, the regulatory authority that administers and enforces technical standards in Ontario.

“Meeting the physical requirements for the ride’s intensity will keep you safe,” the agency said on its website. “Each amusement ride has its own set of safety rules. Follow all instructions provided by ride operators and any recorded announcements or signs. These guidelines are meant to protect you, so always pay attention to them.”

Source link