The pandemic-suppressed operation of amusement attractions has in turn suppressed the occurrence of patron injuries. There were two (2) cases reported and recapped, plus one case occurring in a prior period that had not previously been recapped.

13 February 2021 at an unnamed “amusement park” in China, a swing carousel malfunctioned, resulting in some riders sustaining a hard impact with the ground, injuring 16 people. While all details of this event have not been reported, these devices consist of a flat wheel of spokes at a roof height, from which seats are suspended usually on chains, positioned at seat height above the loading platform when the ride is at rest. During the ride cycle, the wheel is raised and often tilted to produce a swooping swing trajectory. If the lift mechanism fails while still tilted, the seats on the low side could be at or below platform level, making impact with the platform possible. Link | Link | Link | Link

19 February 2021 “in Los Vilos next to the bus terminal” in Chile, a ride called “Twister” malfunctioned, injuring 10 people, some of whom required treatment in hospital. Media coverage was unclear whether this was a fixed or mobile installation, but fencing in some images appeared characteristic of mobile operations. The name “Twister” is given to a number of different rides as a themed name, thus is difficult to confirm the ride action, but images appear to show a horizontally revolving mechanical ride. Link | Link | Link | Link

Occurrence in prior periods

During February, one older case was also covered in the media. This typically occurs as a result of litigation over previous injuries.

From 12 September 2014, a fatal ejection of an 8-year-old girl at the Royal Adelaide Fair involved an Airmaxx 360, a horizontally revolving mechanical ride. The current coverage examines allegations that the ride was operated before full safety reviews were completed. Link | Link