Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Footage captures terrifying moment bystanders rush to stop carnival ride from tipping over

‘We’re very fortunate all of the patrons as well as the operator and the other customers that were around the ride are all safe,’ company behind ride says

Gustaf Kilander
Washington, DC
Sunday 11 July 2021 14:22 BST
Comments
Bystanders rush to stop Michigan fairground ride from falling over
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Terrifying footage shows the moment bystanders were forced to intervene to stop a carnival ride from toppling over with people on it.

The foundation of the Magic Carpet Ride at the 95th Annual National Cherry Festival in Traverse City in northern Michigan began to come loose from the ground, seemingly about to fall, on Thursday night.

About 10 passengers were on the ride when it became clear that it wasn’t safe.

As the ride started to sway dangerously, more than a dozen bystanders rushed towards the foundation of the structure and climbed onto it to stabilise it until it could come to a halt.

The crowd cheered as the ride finally came to a stop and passengers could safely disembark.

UpNorthLive News reported that no one was injured and that the ride had been taken down by Friday morning.

Kat Paye, the festival’s executive director, told the New York Daily News in a statement that the ride had been sent to its manufacturer for inspection.

“Inspections of the rides happen daily and written reports are filled out and completed on each ride every morning prior to operation,” she said. She added that she was in contact with the operator of the ride, Arnold Amusements, Inc.

“I am grateful for the quick response of staff and community members and very thankful that there were no injuries,” Ms Paye said.

A representative for Arnold Amusements, Inc. told the outlet that the cause for the malfunction remained unclear.

“It was a scary situation and we’re very fortunate … all of the patrons as well as the operator and the other customers that were around the ride are all safe,” office manager Joey Even told the paper.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in