11.1.09 - At the Pensacola Interstate Fair in Pensacola, Florida, four people were hurt when a piece of metal fell from the 'Tidal Wave' ride.

The four people involved in the accident were taken to a local hospital. The extent of their injuries, was not available.

The ride was being operated by Reithoffer Shows. The Florida Bureau of Fair Rides has launched an investigation.

Related Stories -- Reithoffer Shows:

• Carnival Worker Falls From Ride
• Girl, 16, Falls From Carnival Ride in Florida

10.30.09 - At the Hilderthorpe fair in England, a 12-year-old girl was injured after falling though a gap on the 'Shake It' ride.

The girl broke her wrist and received other cuts and bruises over her body.

According to the mother of the injured girl, the gap between the steps and the ride was big enough for an adult to fall through. Also, according to the mother, she visited the following day and saw the gap had been closed and a "mind the step sign" had been put in place.

The Health and Safety Executive is looking into what happened.

10.25.09 -  At the Georgia-Carolina State Fair in Augusta, Georgia, several riders were injured when a ride operator failed to hit the brakes in time to stop one of the amusement ride cars from crashing into the other ones. Several were injured with three teenagers going to the hospital with their parents. According to eye witness accounts, several other riders involved in the crash left the scene.

More as it becomes avilable.

10.25.09 -  At the North Carolina State Fair, a carnival worker was injured while breaking down a ride, falling some 15 feet.

The injured worker was taken to the hospital. The extent of his injuries are unknown.

10.13.09 - ASO received word from employees on how the Xcelerator video was apparently  leaked. It's an interesting twist. Apparently, a former employee of the video booth was contacted by someone working the booth when the accident occurred. The ex-employee's password was still valid, which allowed them to retrieve the accident video in question. If we missed anything - please message us and let us know about it.

The company, which operates these on-ride videos, can be found here: http://cdride.info/

ASO's meeting with several Knott's employees this Sunday October, 18th inside of Knott's Berry Farm. They have information pertaining to how this accident occurred, as well as other issues they feel the public needs to know about.

We also welcome anyone who'd like to share more information or would like to be apart of our meeting to message us for information regarding time and place: feedback@amusementsafety.org

10.1.09 - We've received these pictures, which show the Xcelerator roller coaster after it failed two-weeks ago. In the second picture, you can see damage to the front of the roller coaster car - appearing as if someone had taken an axe to it.

Damage to the brake fins

Damage to the roller coaster car

10.1.09 -

1999 � Woman, 28, killed and riders injured when boat flips at Six Flags over Texas
1999 � Man, 37, thrown from Superman: Ride of Steel roller coaster at Six Flags Darien Lake in Darien Center, New York
1999 � Boy, 12, killed when he fell out of Drop Zone at Paramount�s Great America
2001 � Woman, 40, ejected, and killed after being thrown from Perilous Plunge ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California
2001 � Trains collide after brakes fail; riders injured on Superman at Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts
2004 � Girl, 16, killed after being thrown from Hydro ride at Oakwood theme park in Pembrokeshire, Wales
2004 � Riders injured after Cable breaks and sprays riders with shrapnel on Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio
2004 � Man, 55, dead after being thrown from Intamin's Superman: Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts
2005 � Various riders injured when roller coaster trains collide after brakes fail on Disney�s California Screamin� in Anaheim, California
2005 � Kingda Ka roller coaster launch systems sustains damage at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey.

2006 - Man, 24, injured on Volcano: The Blast Coaster at Paramount's Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia
2007 � Girl, 13, has feet severed on the Superman: Tower of Power at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky
2009 � Xcelerator Launch Cable Breaks injuring 2 at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

10.1.09 - We've received messages from the public asking (and rightfully so), "am I riding an Intamin ride?"

You will find a partial list of Intamin amusement rides below:

* Maverick: Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio

* Millennium Force: Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio

* Wicked Twister: Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio

* Top Thrill Dragster: Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio

* Superman The Escape: Six Flags Magic Mountain - Valencia, California

* Roaring Rapids: Six Flags Magic Mountain - Valencia, California

* Steel Venom: Valleyfair! - Shakopee, Minnesota

* Superman Ride of Steel: Six Flags America - Largo, Maryland

* V2: Vertical Velocity: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - Vallejo, California

* Vertical Velocity: Six Flags Great America - Gurnee, Illinois

* Volcano: The Blast Coaster: - Kings Dominion - Doswell, Virginia

* Bizarro: Six Flags New England - Agawam, Massachusetts (formerly Superman: Ride of Steel)

* El Toro: Six Flags Great Adventure - Jackson, New Jersey (wooden roller coaster)

* Kingda Ka:  Six Flags Great Adventure - Jackson, New Jersey

* Storm Runner: Hershey Park - Hershey, Pennsylvania

* Fahrenheit: Hershey Park - Hershey, Pennsylvania

* Possessed: Dorney Park - Allentown, Pennsylvania (was also known as Voodoo. Was known as Steel Venom when it operated at Geauga Lake amusement park in Aurora, Ohio. Was  known as Superman: Ultimate Escape when it operated at Six Flags World of Adventure in Aurora, Ohio)

* Drop Tower: Scream Zone: California's Great America - Santa Clara, California

* Drop Tower: Scream Zone: Kings Island - Mason, Ohio

* Drop Tower: Scream Zone: Kings Dominion - Doswell, Virginia

* Escape from Pompeii: Busch Gardens Europe - Williamsburg, Virginia

* California Screamin': Disney's California Adventure - Anaheim, California

* Intimidator 305: Kings Dominion - Doswell, Virginia (opening 2010)

Have a ride to add? Let us know about it: feedback@amsuementsafety.org

10.1.09 -

9.16.09 - At Knott's Berry Farm theme park in Buena Park, California, two riders were struck with debris after a cable came loose on the Xcelerator roller coaster.

A 12-year-old boy suffered lacerations to the leg and a male adult complained of back pain, with both being sent to the hospital for further evaluation. No other injuries were reported.

8.23.09 - At the Saint-Paul Park near Beauvais, France, a woman was killed after being thrown from the �Coaster Formule 1' roller coaster.

The 35-year-old woman, from Aisne, had been with her partner at the Saint-Paul park with their two children when the adults went on the Coaster Formule 1 roller-coaster as the youngsters tried another ride with friends.

According to a report, the woman had been uncomfortable once the ride started and had raised herself in her seat to get comfortable, but lost her balance on a bend and was thrown out. Falling some 10 feet to the ground.

An investigation has been launched as to whether or not the woman should have been allowed on the ride due to her size.

According to the park�s owners, the ride operator and the woman�s partner heard the safety bar clicking into place, but that it was possible that the woman�s size meant she was not secured.

This was not the first accident with this ride, however. A park boss was given a four-month jail sentence in 2005 after 11 people were hurt when a car on this same roller coaster crashed into others that were stopped.

8.11.09 - At Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, England, two roller coaster trains collided on the Big Dipper roller coaster. A number of the passengers are reported to have suffered broken bones and back injuries as a result of the collision.

The two cars on the Big Dipper ride crashed together after one of them became stuck on the rails and came to a rest 20ft off the ground. Riders were evacuated by a special rope rescue team using stretchers and spinal boards.

An investigation has now been launched by the health and safety executive.

8.9.09 - At the German-American fair in Berlin, Germany, as many as 15 people were stuck upside down on the 'Stargate' ride for about 45 minutes.

Two of the passengers were taken to a local hospital for treatment of shock and circulation problems.

The ride was immediately taken out of service and an investigation is pending.

8.8.09 - A 21-year-old man was struck in the head by a ride while he was collecting tickets at the Saskatoon Exhibition in Canada.

Medical assistance transported the man to a local hospital where he was reported to be in serious condition with a fractured skull.

According to a North American Midway Vice President, �We�ve had rides like this for a long time, and we�ve never had any problems like this. For some reason he got into the wrong position on the ride, and from where he was stationed we�re not exactly sure how that happened.�

An investigation is pending.

Related Accidents - North American Midway Entertainment:

• Girl, 7, Ejected From Ride in Canada
• Man Killed by Amusement Ride
• Woman, 45, Injured on Carnival Ride
• Boy, 17, Injured at Carnival
• Boy, 10, Ejected From Ride at South Carolina State Fair
• Woman, 24, Falls Out of Roller Coaster
• Amusement Ride Strikes Employee in the Head

8.8.09: At Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio, a 38-year-old man died after riding the Firehawk roller coaster.

The man was apparently having trouble breathing after riding the roller coaster.  Emergency personnel took the man to a hospital, where he later died.

The roller coaster was shut down, but has since been re-opened after no issues were found with the ride.

Update: Death was ruled natural by the Hamilton County Coroner's Office and the cause of death was a heart condition, specifically "cardiac tamponade due to aortic dissection." Children with the man before he boarded the ride said that he was complaining of chest pain.

8.7.09 - 1 Issue

• Back Issues: Riders on the Dinosaur attraction have made mention of the rough nature of this ride, due in part to the unexpected, and jerky motions made by the ride. Rider ages varied.

8.5.09 - At Alabama Adventure amusement park in Bessemer, Alabama, four people sustained scrapes and bruises after a raft on the Wild River Gorge ride overturned.

Apparently, on the six-seat ride, one of the riders said that they hit an empty raft that seemed to be stuck in the water. Once this happened, the raft they were in overturned. They then, according to one of the riders, got free of their seat belts after fighting to do so while upside down in the water.

A patron who was in line for the ride alerted ride operators to stop the ride.

The four riders were apparently offered an ambulance, but declined. Two of the riders later went to an emergency room to have a hurt back and shoulder looked at.

The ride is now closed and the accident is under investigation.

8.5.09 - 3 Issues

• Back Issues: Riders on the Great American Scream machine have complained about the rough nature of this ride and the subsequent toll it took on their backs.
• Neck, Back, Etc�: Riders on the Ninja roller coaster have complained about the rough nature of this ride and pain associated with riding it. Back and Neck issues were not uncommon issues, more so, were issues with riders banging their heads into the over the shoulder restraint.
• Back and Neck Issues: The Georgia Cyclone has seen a good deal of complaints aimed at its rough ture. Furthermore, neck injuries seem to only stem from riders sitting in the last row of the roller coaster train.

8.3.09 - 1 Issues

• Heat Related Issues: Summers in Minnesota can be/are humid and nasty. Guests at this venue were put off by not being able to bring in water to the park. Water, however, was offered complimentary within the park, but cold bottled water had to be bought. Guests did not understand why they could not bring in sealed bottled water. On the other hand, guests have made mentioned they were able to bring in sealed and unsealed water. Flip a coin, we guess. We'll seek comment from the park, on what you can really do.

8.2.09 - At Kalahari Resort water park in Sandusky, Ohio, a 3-year-old boy was found face down in a swimming pool.

The boy was discovered by a lifeguard in about three feet of water and pulled from the pool. Resuscitation efforts by both water park officials and medical staff with the local Fire Department were unsuccessful.

The boy's mother apparently reported her son missing after losing him at an outdoor children's area, as she sat in a lounge chair. She contacted resort security, who was looking for the boy when he was located by a lifeguard.

Records show the state of Ohio had taken disciplinary action against Kalahari at least five times since the resort opened in 2005:

8.1.09 - At the Sonisphere festival in England, a teenager suffered leg and back injuries after being ejected some 40 feet into the air from a fairground ride.

The 15-year-old was riding the spinning wheel ride when he came loose from his  safety restraint and was thrown into the air.

He came down, into a row of portable toilets some 30 yards away. He was found knocked unconscious

He was rushed to a local hospital and an investigation into what happened is pending. The boy's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

7.30.09 - 1 Issue

• Motion Sickness: Riders on the Mummy roller coaster have indicated an attraction that made them motion sick during the backwards portion of the ride. Those riders being ones sitting in the first 3 rows of the train. A number of complaints have come in regarding back related injuries associated with this roller coaster, however,  we're attempting to verify/disprove those complaints at this time.

Islands of Adventure 2008 Incidents

7.27.09 - 1 Issue

• Neck and Head Injuries: Riders on the Hulk roller coaster have made mention of the number this ride did on their necks as well as their ears. Headaches associated with riding this attraction were not uncommon, as well. Most of the issues stem from the final portion of the ride, which consist of a helix. Height did not contribute to rider injuries. Section of the train did not seem to matter, as injuries were seen throughout.
• Injury Alert: 2 rides at this venue have not obtained our 10+ incidents to warrant a report. However, we're watching The Spiderman and Dudley Do-Right attractions. Issues with these rides center around motion sickness and bruising type injuries.

7.26.09 - At the Hilton Fire Carnival in the state of New York a carnival worker was injured after he fell from a 15-foot-high platform while dismantling a Ferris Wheel.

The man suffered serious head and neck injuries after he slipped off the platform he was working on. The carnival had been stopped early because of heavy rain and winds.

The man was taken to a local hospital in serious condition.

The carnival rides belonged to Carol Stream Amusements of Orlando, Florida.

Related Stories: Fair Accidents in New York

7.25.09 - At the St. Theresa's feast in Bronx, New York, 9 children and 2 adults

were injured when the 'Dragon Wagon' ride overturned and fell about 4 feet to the ground.

The ride was being operated by Tri-Star Amusements, Inc., and all of the injuries were said to be non-life threatening.

All rides were shut down pending an investigation.

Update: Accident was the result of a broken weld on the ride's track.

Related Stories: Fair Accidents in New York

Universal Orlando 2008 Incidents

7.24.09 - 1 Issue

• Motion Sickness and Back Pain: Riders on The Simpsons Ride Simulator mentioned a fun ride, however, they were quick to point out motion sickness as well as back pain associated with riding this ride.
  • Back pain related issues did not stem from riders sitting forward, but more from riders trying to hold their children back during the ride. Riders with children were concerned about keeping their children sitting back during the ride -- in the process they suffered back strains due to the awkward riding position.
  • Motion sickness issues stemmed from riders who failed to follow the rides posted safety signs regarding motion sickness It also stemmed from riders who felt as if the ride, at times, did not move naturally with what was happening on the screen, causing motion sickness.

7.22.09 - 2 Issues

• Back and Neck Injuries: The Cyclone roller coaster has dished out some pain to riders who boarded. Complaints about this ride stem from a rough unforgiving ride. It appeared to not matter what part of the train riders were in -- back and neck pain were observed. A roller coaster that we advise skipping when you visit this amusement park. (Ed note: as of this report, issues  for the 2009 season are pouring in regarding this roller coaster.)
• Head and Neck Injuries: The Mind Eraser had issues aimed at riders slamming their heads into the rides hard over the shoulder restraint. One of the better suggestions we had in enjoying this ride, "ride it in a defensive mind set." Issues stemmed from all areas of the roller coaster train.

7.22.09 - 1 Issue

• Nausea: Riders on the Mission Space (Orange) side were quick to point out how sick they became during this ride. Exiting the ride and vomiting, nausea and headache, and just vertigo. We found various things when tracking this ride:
  • Riders failed to take advice and ride Mission Space (Green). A tamer version of the Orange version.
  • Riders who did get sick on Mission Space (Orange) varied in age, but all seemed to share two things in common:
    • Ate within the past 2 hours before boarding.
    • Was the 1st or last ride of the day.

7.21.09 - 3 Issues

• Ear Issues: Riders on the Boomerang roller coaster have complained about the backwards portion of this ride. They mentioned repeatedly striking their ears into the hard shoulder restraint -- muffling hearing and causing headache due to the violent striking.
•  Back, Neck, and Misc. Issues: Riders on the Rattler wooden roller coaster have made mention of neck and back related issues associated with riding. We have pin pointed injuries to riders sitting in all areas of the train, nullifying our belief injuries were mainly in the back of the train.  Furthermore, the triggering of migraine headaches as well as nausea and vomiting have also been associated with riding this roller coaster.
• Heat Issues: Guests have made mention of not feeling well after visiting this amusement park, due to thirst and heat. Guests are failing to drink water during their visit to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. During an anonymous visit, open container water was let into the park. As well sport drinks in plastic bottles. So there should be no reason for these issues.

7.20.09 - 2 Issues

• Back Injuries: Riders on the Hurler roller coaster have made mention of the rough nature of this ride. Being a wooden roller coaster, one would assume it would be quite rough. However, this roller coaster's rough nature has seen issues aimed at back related injuries. Those injuries seem to stem from riders sitting in the last 4 rows of the ride.
• Head Injuries and Scrotum Discomfort: Riders on the Vortex stand-up roller coaster have made mention of how the rough nature of this ride, which causes the rider to continually strike their head on the sides of the hard over the shoulder restraint. For male riders, the uncomfortable seats caused scrotum discomfort.

7.20.09 - 3 Issues

• Back Injuries: Timber Wolf wooden roller coaster has seen a share of rider injuries, those injuries centering around back issues. Riders in front, middle, and back rows of the roller coaster train have made mention of one thing: the rough unforgiving nature of this ride.
• Neck and Head Injuries: Riders on the boomerang roller coaster seem to always complain about continually hitting their heads into the hard over the shoulder restraint. Muffled hearing, jaw pain, and blurry vision were not uncommon issues associated with riding this ride. Neck related issues seem to stem from riders in the last two rows of the train.
• Heat Issues:  Heat related issues were of concern at this venue. Another venue where taking in your own bottled water was hit or miss. Sealed bottled water was let in certain times, while others could not. Many of the heat related issues seem to stem from patrons who were 35 years of age and above.

7.20.09 -  A 20-year-old ride operator at Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa, Florida was injured after falling some 35 feet from the 'Skyride'.

Apparently the operator checked to ensure that the gondola door was locked as it was leaving the loading station. He held on as the ride left the station, subsequently falling.

No one else was injured and the accident is under investigation.

7.16.09 -  1 Issue

• Various Injury Complaints: The Indiana Jones ride saw riders with neck, back, stomach, and various other types of issues. Age did not seem to matter with the types of injuries. The seatbelt used on the ride did seem to play a role in the types of injuries sustained, with riders mentioning that the seatbelt made them strain their neck and back while trying to brace themselves against the surprising and rough nature of the ride.
• Misc. Information: Not yet to 10 issues, but the Matterhorn bobsled roller coaster has received issues aimed at the rough nature of the ride. Back related injuries are becoming an issue.  Will update as needed.

7.15.09 - Below you will find the 10 most complained about rides to Amusement Safety Organization.

It is not to say that the below rides are unsafe -- it just goes to show what can happen to you if you choose to ride. At the end of the day, though, you make the call as to whether you decide to ride or not.

Other rides of note:

• The Boss, Six Flags St. Louis (back and neck issues)

• Mind Eraser, Six Flags America (head issues)

• Cyclone, Six Flags New England (back, neck, vision issues)

• Gwazi, Busch Gardens - Africa (back and neck issues)

• Ninja, Six Flags over Georgia (neck issues)

7.8.09 - 4 Issues

• Blacking Out and Bloody Noses: Riders on the Titan roller coaster are blacking out, coming down with bloody noses, and not feeling too well after riding this roller coaster. Did not matter where they were sitting, time of day, or any other types of factors. Riders indicated that during the double helix part of this ride, they do not remember coming out of it, they remember going into it and started to see everything �go black� before pulling out of the double helix portion of the ride, and those who felt the pressure of the double helix only to see that they had a bloody nose.

• Various Injuries: Riders on the Texas Giant roller coaster were always quick to point out the roughness of this ride. Back, neck, and motion sickness related issues were not uncommon with this wooden roller coaster. Furthermore, riders in the middle to back rows of the train were ones who seemed to have the most problems. Here's a sample of issues on The Texas Giant wooden roller coaster:

Type	Age/Sex	Information
Strain	28 / M	Rider indicated that during ride he had to brace himself against the rough nature of this ride - thus straining his back.
Strain	32 / M	Rider indicates straining his back on the ride. Sitting in the last row of the train.
Strain / Blurry Vision	53 / M	Rider indicates that rough violent nature of this ride caused a great deal of pain to his back and made seeing after getting off the ride difficult.

• Back Pain: Riders on the Judge Roy Scream roller coaster were quick to point out the roughness of this roller coaster and the number it did on their back. Riders sitting within all areas of the train appeared to have issues with this ride.

• Heat Related Issues: Heat related issues at this venue are stemming from guests who failed to take precaution against the heat. There also seems to be some confusion as to whether or not a guest can bring sealed bottled water with them inside of the park. According to the park's website, �Food, beverages or coolers may not be brought into the park." So, according to the park's website, no.

7.7.09 -  3 Issues

� Back and Neck Complaints: Were commonplace on the Gwazi roller coaster (both sides). Complaints seemed aimed towards the rough nature of this ride. While wooden roller coasters are bumpy and jarring, this one apparently is too much so. Incidents stemmed from riders sitting within all areas of the roller coaster train.
� Heat Related Issues: Visitors to this venue apparently forgot to note the hot humid Florida weather. Many visitors noted that they were unprepared for the heat, subsequently bringing on heat exhaustion.
� Dizziness and Muffled Hearing: Riders on the Kumba roller coaster have noted feeling dizzy after coming off the ride. Along with those types of issues comes rider�s who have made mention of muffled hearing after riding. Muffled hearing apparently is occurring due to rider�s ears hitting into the over-the-shoulder restraints. Dizziness issues seem to stem from dehydration issues and the rough nature of this ride.

7.5.09 -  At the Heddington Steam Rally in Calne, England a fair ground ride collapsed injuring three people.

Emergency assistance arrived and tended to the three injured persons.

One of those injured was rushed to hospital with back injuries.

An investigation is pending.

7.5.09 - Two monorail trains collided at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, killing a monorail operator.

The collision happened near the Ticket and Transportation Center, a boarding

station that takes Disney visitors to parks and properties throughout Walt Disney World.

The 21-year-old operator was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to various witnesses, the trains were carrying passengers from Epcot after a fireworks display.

Various passengers were treated at the scene. The other monorail operator was not injured.

The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) is investigating.

UPDATE: $44,000 in penalties were levied against Walt Disney World for the monorail incident, including a penalty of $7,000 for the serious violation related to the fatality, the maximum amount allowed for a serious citation. The NTSB does not have the power to regulate or enforce, but they will provide Disney with information and advice on making the monorail safer.

7.3.09 - 2 Issues:

• Heat Related Issues - Leading to Ride Injuries: We found that many of the rider injury complaints regarding various rides at this amusement park - centered around rider's who failed to properly hydrate. According to the park's website, "Coolers and Outside food and beverage items other than factory sealed bottles of water are prohibited." Perhaps there is a misunderstanding on the part of workers on what and what cannot be brought in?  Below a grid regarding heat related injuries during the summer months:

Type	Age / Sex	Information
Heat Related	45 / M	Patron indicated they had a hard time staying hydrated at park due to high price of water. Indicates was denied access of brining in a bottled water from outside.
Heat Related	32 / F	Patron indicates she failed to hydrate prior to coming into park. Indicates she was able to obtain ice cold water from park's 1st aid station.
Heat Related	27 / M	Patron indicates he was denied when bringing in his own bottle of water. Refused to pay price inside of park.

• Too Much Too Handle?: Rider's on the Talon roller coaster have indicated that the extreme intensity of the ride caused them bloody noses, headache, and temporary loss of feeling in their legs as a result of their thighs pushing up into the over-the-shoulder restraint.

7.2.09 - 1 Issue

• Back Pain: Rider's on the Wolverine Wildcat seem to make mention of this rides roughness. Back pain issues stem from rider's in all parts of the train - even the front where we had found the ride to be quite smooth.

• +: This venue did receive a lot of positive feedback regarding it's commitment to families and overall safe family feel. A great place to take the family for a day of fun. One problem, though, it's in Muskegon, Michigan. While a decent place, not a destination you would put number one the list.

7.1.09 - At Universal Studios Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida, a worker was injured while working at the Dueling Dragons roller coaster

Apparently, the man was struck by the roller coaster and was unresponsive. He was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The Dueling Dragons roller coaster is the only dueling inverted roller coaster in the world. It is themed to two dragons, Ice and Fire. The two rides share adjacent lift hills, but then dive into two different ride courses -- with 3 near misses.

The ride has since been re-opened after it was deemed safe by park officials.

Related Stories -- Struck by Roller Coaster:

• Boy, 17, Decapitated by Roller Coaster
• Man, 20, Struck by Roller Coaster
• Woman Struck by Amusement Ride in Ohio
• Worker Killed After Being Struck By Roller Coaster
• Ride Operator Struck by Ride; Killed

6.29.09 - At the Buchanan Firemen�s Carnival in Buchanan, Virginia, one person was taken to the hospital after one of the 'Octopus' ride's supports gave way, causing the ride to drop. The one person was taken to the hospital to be evaluated for minor injuries.

Apparently all of the rides were inspected and deemed fit by a state and OSHA certified inspector before the carnival opened.

UPDATE: Investigators determined that the accident was caused by a cracked bracket, which was not visible during routine inspections.

6.28.09 - At the Rhythm & Booms carnival in Madison, Wisconsin, 12 to 14 passengers got stuck on the Ferris wheel when the drive cable came off its track.

Workers and police officers at the scene tried to unload riders by controlling the wheel manually, but the load became unbalanced, and they lost control.

A Fire Department Rescue Team arrived on the scene, they attached ropes to each side of the wheel to secure it. One side was tied to a fire engine, and the other to a semi-trailer truck. Once the wheel was secured, the team started to bring the ride around for passengers to get off.

No passengers were injured in the incident, but two police officers received minor injuries when the wheel broke free a second time during the rescue.

An investigation is pending.

6.27.09 - In Middletown, Ohio an inflatable slide went flying some 40 feet into the air with a boy inside.

The boy, 11, escaped injury by hanging on until onlookers stabbed the ride with knives, deflating it.

Various other bystanders were injured by the inflatable slide as it was pushed around by the wind.
 

6.20.09 - 42 people were injured at Holiday World's Splashin' Safari water park in Santa Claus, Indiana, after fumes from a bad filter pump gave people breathing problems.

The pump sent highly concentrated levels of bleach and muriatic acid into the waters.

According to the park president -- lifeguards immediately got everyone out and closed off the area. Repairs have been made and the ride has reopened.

5.12.09 - At the Ducketts Common funfair in England, a two year-old boy died after being struck by the 'Go-Gator' roller coaster.

The boy was rushed to the hospital, but later died.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the accident.

According to one witness, they indicated that the child had walked away from his father before climbing onto the track of the 'Go Gator' ride -- which then struck the child.

5.2.09 - At the Orangeburg Festival of Roses carnival in Orangeburg, South Carolina, an eight-year-old was taken to the hospital after falling out of a mechanical swing ride.

According to carnival officials, they believe the girl was trying to get off the ride as it was slowing down and coming to an end.  A public safety officer indicated that the girl suffered some lacerations to the face and was transported to a local hospital.

The ride had just been inspected some two weeks prior to the accident by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation�s office of Elevators and Amusement Rides.

The ride has been closed and an investigation is pending.

The ride was being operated by Air Fun Rentals Inc. of Lexington, South Carolina.

Related Stories: Fair Accidents in South Carolina

4.17.09 - At the Puyallup Spring Fair in Puyallup, Washington, the Lolli Swing
ride toppled over, injuring multiple riders.

Some 10-12 people, mostly children, were attended to by medical at the scene, with one of the injured being taken to a local hospital for an alleged leg injury.

The ride has swing-type seats that rotate around a central pillar, and has apparently operated at the fair for the past five years.

It is believed that soggy ground under the ride may have simply given way, causing the ride to topple over. The ride had recently passed a safety inspection.

Safety officials are investigating, to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Related Stories: Fair Accidents in Washington

4.13.09 - At the Chapelfield Gardens Easter fair in Norwich, England, a 27-year-old woman was injured on the Jumpin' Frog ride when the car she was seated in slammed down rather than being gradually lowered at the end of the ride.

The woman managed to get out of the ride, but collapsed. She was transferred to a local hospital for a fractured lumbar vertebrae.

The Jumpin' Frog is a ride that has a series of cars attached to hydraulic arms which rise and fall.

The Health and Safety Executive inspected the ride and it was subsequently re-opened following safety checks.

Girl, 8, Ejected From Amusement Ride

4.10.09 - At Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh, Scotland, an 8-year-old  girl was thrown some 30ft from the Extreme ride after apparently slipping under the ride's restraint system.
 

According to the 8-year-old's dad, "two guys strapped her in and the ride started. For a minute or two, everything seemed fine. Then I suddenly saw a figure flying through the air about 10ft off the ground."

"I knew instantly it was my daughter from her clothes. She cleared the perimeter fence and struck an advertising hoarding about 30ft away."

"I started running to her and saw a ride assistant scoop her into his arms and run with her to the control booth."

"When I got there she was crying and I was so relieved. I half expected her to be dead. She had blood all over her face."

The girl was transported to a local hospital with facial injuries, a broken pelvis, scratches, and bruises.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigated the incident and allowed the ride to re-open after the manufacturer carried out safety checks on the ride.

4.10.09 -  At I-X Indoor Amusement Park in Cleveland, Ohio, the Hurricane ride knocked a woman down after she attempted to exit.

After being seated and secured in the ride car, the woman decided not to ride and asked to get off.

The ride operator unlatched the safety bar and the woman exited the ride, but was apparently struck and knocked down. The woman was treated by on-site medical and transported to a local hospital.

After an inspection, the Hurricane ride was cleared to operate again.

3.10.09 - At the Southland Mall in Cutler Bay, Florida, a one year-old infant was

injured after he fell from a shopping mall kiddie train amusement ride.

According to the boy's mother, she says her son fell from an electric train, struck the ground head-first and was partially run over before the ride was stopped.

Medical crews found the child unconscious and performed CPR, reviving the infant before he was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.

The ride has been shut down pending an investigation.

3.8.09 - At Jeepers in Albany, New York, various children suffered minor injuries when a wheel broke on small children's roller coaster.

Two of the children were taken to a local hospital to be treated for cuts and other children were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The roller coaster has since been shut down pending an investigation as to what caused the roller coaster wheel to break.

2.19.09 - At a carnival in Oldham, England seven people were reported injured after a safety bar apparently failed on the 'Miami Trip' amusement ride.

A woman was reported to have sustained back injuries, a man a broken rib, and

four teenagers were also reported to have sustained whiplash and injuries to their necks and head when the safety bar struck them.

One of the injured indicated:"The safety bar came up three times. We were screaming for them to stop it. I thought I was going to die." Witnesses, too, reported seeing the safety bar, "fly up," when the ride was in operation.

The fair was being run by Jan de Koning Fun Fairs. The owner, indicated that the safety bar locked automatically and the ride stopped automatically, with the ride just having undergone a safety check a week before the fair started.

Health and Safety is investigating the accident.

2.15.09 - 3 men and 1 woman were injured when the roller coaster car they were riding fell off its track at the Tourism and Trade Fair in India.

According to reports, the victims were thrown off the roller coaster after a bolt holding the rails together, came off. This resulted in the track splitting into two.

All the injured were rushed to the hospital and an investigation is pending.  

For Your Information: Carnival Accidents in Asia

2.15.09 - A 37-year-old man died after falling some 30 to 50 feet from the Star Flyer inverted roller coaster at Star City in Pasay City, Philippines.

According to a witness, the mans body hit the metal framing of the ride before finally falling to the ground. The park was quick to point out that it would be impossible for anyone to fall from the ride because the safety harnesses are locked by a computerized control. It was also reported that the mans seat harness was found still locked after the accident.

Apparently, a ride attendant indicated that before the man got on the ride he asked her if falling off would kill him.

Police are investigating the accident.

2.5.09 - At the Collier County Fair in Naples, Florida, a 16-year-old girl fell from the Avalanche ride, falling some 30 feet to the ground -- knocking her out.

Apparently, the girl was at the highest point of the ride when her harness came up and she fell to the ground. The girl was airlifted to a local hospital where she was being treated for broken ribs and a collapsed lung. The girl may also have a broken leg.

A manager for Reithoffer Shows, who is the operator of  the ride, called the accident, "a one-in-a-million occurrence." [Ed. Note: Much like the one-in-a-million incident involving a Reithoffer Shows employee who fell from a carnival ride in 2007. Read about that accident here]

The accident is being investigated by the state of Florida Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection.

For Your Information: Carnival Accidents in Florida