197
 |
| Some had raised concerns over seat belts on the ride before the accident |
A six-year-old girl has died after she fell out of an amusement park ride while on holiday with her family.
The tragic youngster was at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, when the horrifying incident took place.
She was visiting with her family on Sunday when she was fatally injured on the Haunted Mine Drop ride – which plunges guests 110 feet (33 metres) in a simulated freefall.
The exact nature of her injuries has not yet been revealed and park staff frantically tried to save her.
A park spokesperson said they were ‘deeply saddened’ at the tragedy and that the site would be closed until Friday.
They said in a statement: “On the evening of September 5th a fatality occurred at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. An investigation is ongoing.
“We are deeply saddened and ask that you please keep the family of the deceased in your thoughts and prayers.
“The park will be closed September 8 and 9, re-opening September 10. Thank you for your support.”
The Garfield County Coroner’s Office revealed that the child was a six-year-old girl.
Robert Glassmire, Garfield County Coroner, said of the incident: “The initial dispatch was for a six-year-old female who was fatally injured while riding on the Haunted Mine Drop ride.
“Immediately following the incident, Glenwood Caverns employees initiated first aid until paramedics with the Glenwood Springs Fire Department arrived and determined the child had died.
“The investigation into the circumstances of the fatality is under investigation by the sheriffโs office and coronerโs office.
“The coronerโs office identified the victim as a six-year-old female from Colorado Springs, CO.
“The child was vacationing in Glenwood Springs with her family. Identity of the child is being withheld to give the family time to notify additional family members.”
He added that an autopsy was scheduled with the coronerโs office forensic pathologist this week.
He said: “The Coronerโs Office extends their condolences to the friends and family of the victim.”
The Mail Online reports that the death came after previous park visitors had claimed on social media that safety belts on the ride were not tight enough.
On rider said on Facebook : “I rode that ride in June and the young girl running the ride didn’t seem to know what she was doing.
“My safety belt wasn’t tight and I felt like I was coming out of the ride.
“I tried to tell her but they started the ride. I’m thankful I was able to hold myself in. Prayers to the family and those on the ride.”
A spokeswoman for the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety, which regulates amusement park rides, was reported to have said a state inspector would likely visit the park to investigate.
MIRROR
