Flume rides are a classic attraction at fairs, carnivals and amusement parks throughout the country. Flume rides require passengers to board a boat on an often circular, rotating platform. Once the boat reaches the end of the launching platform, it is released into typically tube-like channels where guests float along until they reach the hill climb. At the hill, the ride climbs hundreds of feet into the air before reaching a single long drop. While plummeting down the steep hill, riders often raise their hands in the air and scream in anticipation of the big splash at the end of the ride.
While a flume ride can safely complete its journey thousands of times without an incident, unique circumstances and events can transform a typically safe ride into a dangerous one.
Recent Flume Ride Accidents
In 2013 a flume ride at Cedar Point’s Sandusky, Ohio Park malfunctioned resulting in injury to all of its riders. Eyewitnesses state that the ride was operating normally when a boat on the thrill ride accidentally rolled backward down one of the ride’s hills and into the water below. While rolling downhill, the boat toppled over and the still belted-in occupants were trapped under the water. A number of onlookers jumped into the water to rescue the riders who were strapped into the boat.
In 2009 the flume ride at Hershey Park, which is known as the Coal Cracker, was closed after a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture spokesperson termed the ride issue a mechanical failure. Apparently, a pipe broke on the ride unbeknownst to park officials. This pipe break apparently affected water currents on the ride and cause a number of boats to slam into each other. One woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment and observation.
Common Types of Amusement Park Injuries
The unique nature of each and every amusement park accident means that one cannot reliably predict the exact nature and severity of the injuries one will receive. But, certain types of injuries are produced more frequently than others. Injuries that can occur on a log flume or other type of flume ride can include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bone fracture
- Lacerations
- Severe bruising
- Whiplash
- Spine injuries
- Amputation of a limb or finger
- Heart attack
If you suspect that you or a loved one have sustained one of these serious injuries, you should call for emergency medical services as soon as possible. Once help is on the way, you should stay near your loved one and offer them words of encouragement and support. If they are not breathing, chest compressions or CPR should be administered to prevent brain death or damage due to lack of oxygen. In the event of an apparent injury to the individuals head, neck or back the person should not be moved or repositioned unless it is absolutely necessary to avoid an additional injury.
If you have suffered a serious injury on a flume ride or on another type of attraction, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages and other damages. The flume ride accident attorneys of The Reiff Law Firm can fight for you and stand-up to the insurance company or the responsible party’s lawyers. For your free and confidential initial consultation call us at (215) 709-6940 or contact us online.
