Family Night Out Turns Fatal

An unidentified girl was flung from a "Scrambler" ride in New Jersey
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 13, 2019 4:00 PM CDT
Family Night Out Turns Tragic
A so-called "Scrambler" ride.   (YouTube)

Tragedy struck a New Jersey amusement park Saturday when a 10-year-old girl was ejected from a ride and killed, Newsweek reports. The unidentified victim lay motionless amid distraught family members, per a witness, and was pronounced dead that evening at a hospital. "We are absolutely heartbroken," says the ride operator, Skelly's Amusements of Williamstown. "Words cannot express our feelings and we extend our deepest sympathies to the individual's family and loved ones." The tragedy occurred at the annual Deerfield Township Harvest Festival on a ride called "Extreme" that turns clusters of rotating cars from a central arm.

"There are many names for this ride and its variations, but Americans usually call it the Scrambler," explains HowStuffWorks. "Whatever name is emblazoned on its side, this ride is fast—really fast." A parade and all rides at the park were shut down, per the Philadelphia Inquirer, but the Daily Journal notes that some Facebook users were upset the festival didn't fully close. State police say they're investigating the "cause and circumstances" of the death. "I have a seven year old and just seeing the little girl it's so heartbreaking," a witness tells WPVI. "You would think your kids would be safe ... I know you ride at your own risk, but they are there to make sure your kids are secure, to make sure kids aren't going to fall off a ride." (At another park, a rollercoaster derailed.)

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