ORMOC CITY– Four riders of a carnival ride were injured when the seat of the ride they were riding malfunctioned causing this to tilt and injured the riders who fell from their seats at about 9:40 pm on May 17 in Barangay Maligaya, Jiabong, Samar.
The victims were identified as aliases “Joanne”, 19, student, single, a resident of Purok 6, Canlapwas, Catbalogan City; “Ann”, 19, student, single, Brgy. San Isidro, Paranas, Samar; “Krisha”, 20, student, single a resident of Purok 3, Catbalogan City; and “Maris”, 19, student, a resident of Brgy. Alejandrea, Jiabong, Samar.
An initial investigation conducted by the local police disclosed that victims Ann, Krisha, and Maris were riding in one coaster of the caterpillar ride when suddenly the lug bolt knot of the seats malfunctioned and detached.
The police said that the seat tilted and the victims fell to the ground. The police added that Joanne was hit by the steel railings and sustained a laceration on her head.
The victims were rushed to the Jiabong Rural Health Unit and were referred to Samar Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
Further, the management of the carnival was advised by the local police to stop the operation while the incident is under investigation.
(ROBERT DEJON)
