LANZHOU, CHINA — Nine fairground thrill-seekers were injured, one of them seriously, when a carnival ride came crashing down on top of them.
The accident happened at a temple fair in Gansu province, northwestern China on March 9, the Mirror reported, citing Chinese-language state newspaper Beijing Youth Daily.
A 9-year-old child and eight adults were crushed when the ride malfunctioned not long after starting.
Witnesses said they heard a loud bang and saw an iron column snap when the passengers on the spinning chair ride were about 15 feet off the ground.
Members of the emergency services rushed to the scene and managed to free the trapped festival goers, who were then rushed to the hospital.
The ride has since been demolished. Police are investigating whether this is another case of “made in China,” or of health and safety being ignored yet again in the relentless pursuit of cash.
