A popular children’s ride at the Sydney Royal Easter show has been shut down after a four-year-old boy was left unrestrained in his seat and at risk of being flung into the air and badly injured.
Just moments before the ride’s launch, ‘Free Fall’ was about to go live on Sunday afternoon. However, stunned onlookers quickly alerted operators that Tristan Curtis’ seat had been restrained.
Tristan is seen riding the bike with the restraint, although it should be locked towards the end of the ride and not above his head. The restraints of all the children who sat next to Tristan were secure.
Sky Boustani Curtis was his mother and had to be there in horror at the unfolding near-disaster.
According to the Daily Telegraph, ‘The operator stopped the ride but the girl in charge didn’t get up from her booth. So another father managed to drag him down’.
Four-year-old Tristan Curtis (pictured far right) was on the Free Fall ride in the Kids Carnival at the Sydney Royal Easter Show without a restraint
“Myself and my husband weren’t tall enough to reach him.
“They didn’t pull down his harness, they just didn’t inspect him.”
Mrs Curtis stated that Tristan, her son with autism, was suffering from severe anxiety and was struggling to cope after the ordeal.
A witness further stated that the operator didn’t know the boy was not secured.
Eva Levy recalls that they reached emergency stop, but the operator didn’t manage to bring it down. Someone had to climb up and get his son into the arms of the operator.
“Onlookers had no choice but to shout to get the ride stopped.”
Later, Ms Grace took to Facebook and warned other parents to “be cautious”.
She wrote, “This negligence unfolded before so many patrons that had to scream to make that lady stop the ride,”
She said that the bar was never raised and that she took off without warning or checking. Make sure you’re watching the way they strap your child into a ride because clearly some of these operators are not doing their job and duty of care! Shameful no excuses!’
This terrifying scene took place in front of many stunned show-goers including small children.
The Show organizers are conducting an immediate investigation.
A spokeswoman for the Show stated that safety is our top priority and had to close the children’s Free Fall Ride after a report of a problem with the harness.
“The ride’s safety system functioned properly to avoid any injuries. The ride will no longer be operational until an investigation is complete and specialist engineers have approved it.
Daily Mail Australia reached out to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and SafeWork NSW in order for them to comment.
The SafeWork NSW Guide for Amusement Devices must be followed by operators of rides at Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The spokesperson for the NSW Police stated that police had not been informed of the incident and added it was a safety concern for organizers.
Free Fall Ride located at the Kids Carnival. Patrons must be minimum 110cm tall.
Take the plunge. “Take the plunge!” The Free Fall ride is perfect for thrill-seekers young and old. It simulates falling, with controlled drops that are gentle enough to bring them back down, according to the website description.
Online, horror at the news has been sparked by hundreds of calls for more training for riders.
“It is time for rider attendants to receive a complete dose of training !!!! These rides are large …..and potentially dangerous ….hence, the term THRILL! These rides are huge and dangerous. Facebook user, one woman.
“No rider should be allowed to begin unless the harness and seats are in good order ….it should not be an automated process.
The shocked observers alerted ride operators just moments before the reckless boy (pictured right) was lifted into the air.
A second commenter added “What is the problem with these operators?” It’s easy to ensure that the children are properly strapped in, for all intents and purposes. It’s amazing that she couldn’t get out of her box to assist. People like these should not be allowed to ride such dangerous rides.
This terrifying accident comes just two weeks after another teenager plunged 50m to his death from a ride similar at an American theme park.
Tyre Sampson was 14 years old when he fell off his ride on the Orlando Free Fall, a ride that spans 430 feet at ICON Park Florida.
Photographs and audio taken from Tyre’s 911 call indicate that Tyre may have not had his safety harness properly fitted at the time.
The St. Louis teen was visiting Orlando with his football program and sitting next to two of his best friends on the ride at the time.
The incident comes two weeks after a teen plunged to his death on the 430-foot Orlando Free Fall ride (pictured) at the ICON Park in Florida on March 24