Defective carnival ride kills 1, injures 9 in Valenzuela City

MANILA, Philippines – A caterpillar coaster ride turned into a horrifying experience when a coach got detached and killed a 41-year-old man, almost decapitating him,  and injured nine other persons in Valenzuela City Wednesday night.

The fatality was identified as Neal Armstrong Rafols, a member of the Bantay Bayan of Barangay Katuhatan in Valenzuela City.

The accident happened around 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday at a small carnival at the corner of McArthur Highway and San pablo Street  in Barangay Karuhatan.

Senior Supt. Wilben Mayor, Valenzuela police chief, said Rafols was thrown out of the detached caterpillar coaster after a screw under his seat broke loose. A flying metal strip hit him in the neck and almost decapitated him, killing him instantly.

Mayor said the horrifying sight prompted the passengers to jump off the coaster, resulting in injuries to at least nine other people.

Amelita Abella, 25, and a 5-year-old child, Rysa Abella Villacruses, were seriously injured while  seven others, most of them minors, suffered minor injuries.

Police identified them as Erwin Rosario, 17; Rimberto Gili, 16; Rhian Vilacruses, 3; Jery gutierez; 22; Ruben Pagal, 14; Ronel Laroza, 17; Dino Caramales 13,

The machine operator and the manager of the amusement facility escaped after the incident. Nonetheless, Mayor said those liable for the accident would be charged as soon as possible.

First posted 10:12 am | Thursday, November 10th, 2011