UPDATE: 6-Year-Old Suffers Critical Head Injury in Ferris Wheel Accident
According to U.S. News, one of the three children to fall from a Ferris wheel at the 67th Annual Greene County Fair in Tennessee suffered a traumatic brain injury and is currently listed in critical condition.
Three Children Fall Three Stories from Ferris Wheel Basket
The accident occurred shortly after 6:00 pm Saturday. The three children fell 30 to 45 feet, roughly three stories, when the Ferris Wheel basket they were riding in overturned.
While officials did not identify the victims, they did reveal that two of the girls, ages 6 and 10, were sisters. The third victim was identified as a 16-year-old girl.
The 6-year-old sustained significant head injuries and was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center following the accident. One of the other victims was also transported to Johnson City Medical Center via helicopter, and the third was transported via ambulance.
Dr. Bracken Burns, director of trauma services for Johnson City Medical Center, said the 10-year-old girl suffered injuries to her forearms but was listed in stable condition. Information on the 16-year-old’s injuries was not immediately available.
Officials Investigate the Ferris Wheel Accident
Witnesses stated that the seat was rocking before it flipped; however, authorities could not confirm these reports.
Currently, third-party investigators are inspecting the Ferris wheel for potential mechanical issues. They are also trying to determine what other factors could have played a role in the terrible accident.
All rides operated by the company overseeing the Ferris wheel, Family Attractions Amusement, have been closed. The company plans to hire its own third-party investigator.
