Operator Error Caused Ride Accident in Louisiana

May 20, 2011

Louisiana Fire Marshal Butch Browning says operator error caused a carnival ride accident that injured two teenagers in Greensburg last weekend.

The two had been on a ride called “the Zipper” – described as a huge oval frame that spins like a Ferris wheel with free-flipping cars. They were being removed from the ride when it went in motion, causing them to be thrown from the car and fall 15 feet.

A Thursday news release said the operator, whose name was not released, accidentally activated a switch that caused the ride to move as the children were getting out. The two required hospitalization after the accident. Their names were not released. They were identified as a brother and sister, ages 13 and 15.