Girl’s death puts ride in carnival on spotlight

TAGUM CITY, Philippines—The safety of carnival rides has taken the spotlight here following the death of a year-old girl who fell off one on Tuesday.

Supt. Solomon de Castilla, city police chief, said the operator of the Mary Rose Carnival is being investigated and faces charges after the death of year-old Allysa Jade Omayao who fell 15 feet to the ground from a cable car.

De Castilla said Mary Rose suffered severe injuries and died in a hospital after the fall.

Mary Rose’s father, Edwin, had told police he was selling toys outside the fair grounds while his daughter was in the cable car past 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

De Castilla said a friend of the Omayaos, identified only as “Lablab,” took the child to treat her to the ride.

De Castilla said Lablab rushed to Edwin, carrying the bleeding child. Allysa Jade was taken to the United Doctors’ Hospital here, but she died while undergoing treatment.

De Castilla said Lablab may also be liable for the child’s death, but are still gathering more information and pieces of evidence.

The city government has been informed about the fatal accident and action is being awaited over whether or not the carnival would be allowed to continue operating. Frinston L. Lim, Inquirer Mindanao