1 dead, 9 hurt in faulty fun ride
A fun ride at a carnival turned into a horrifying experience after a loose screw in a kiddie roller coaster caused one of the coaches to detach itself from the rest of the ride, leaving a man dead and nine others injured.
The accident happened at 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday in a small roadside carnival at the corner of McArthur Highway and San Pablo Street in Barangay Karuhatan, Valenzuela City.
Senior Supt. Wilben Mayor, Valenzuela police chief, said that Neil Rafols, 41, a Bantay Bayan member of the barangay, was killed instantly after the coach he was riding in broke loose and flew off the track of the caterpillar ride.
The other occupants of the coach, Rafols’ live-in partner Amelita Abella and his 5-year-old niece, Rysa Abella Villacruses, were hurled to the ground and suffered injuries. However, the victim fell on the track and was ran down by the speeding kiddie roller coaster.
Seven other people, mostly minors, also sustained wounds and were taken to East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.
They were identified as Erwin Rosario, 17; Rimberto Gili, 16; Rhian Villacruses, 3; Jery Gutierrez; 22; Ruben Pagal, 14; Ronel Laroza, 17; and Dino Caramales, 13.
Article continues after this advertisementFive of them were just standing near the caterpillar, either watching over their relatives or waiting for their turn to ride, when the detached coach flew in their direction.
Article continues after this advertisementRide operator, carnival owner flee
Mayor said the caterpillar operator and carnival owner known only as Arnel and Bong, respectively, immediately fled after the accident.
Yesterday, the Office of the Mayor ordered the closure of the carnival pending the conduct of a police investigation.
Lani Abarrientos, a staffer of Barangay Karuhatan, said that the carnival began operating on Nov. 5 after the company which runs it, Three Angels Amusement, asked for and was granted permission by barangay officials.
According to Chief Insp. Realito Esperida, deputy city police chief, the carnival was illegal since it did not have a permit to operate issued by city hall.
