A 10-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after being thrown off a Moby Dick-themed carnival ride in Antioch, Illinois. The incident occurred at the Antioch Taste of Summer festival. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the boy is currently undergoing surgery for multiple fractures and a leg injury.
Police and firefighters responded to the Antioch Taste of Summer festival on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports of a child being thrown from a carnival ride. The injured 10-year-old, identified as Huntley Daniels, was found by first responders. The ride in question, called Moby Dick, secures riders at the shoulders and moves up and down at increasing speeds.
Huntley Daniels was initially taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital but was later airlifted to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago due to the severity of his injuries. According to a statement from the village, he suffered multiple facial and jaw fractures, as well as a significant leg injury. Antioch Fire Chief Jon Cokefair described the boy’s fall as approximately 15 to 20 feet.
Witnesses at the festival expressed concerns about the safety of the Moby Dick ride. Elliott Johnson, who observed the incident, mentioned that he had experienced issues with the ride’s safety bar during his own ride. Another parent, Lauren Tardi, noticed workers not always ensuring that the safety bars were securely fastened.
In response to the incident, Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner ordered the closure of all remaining rides at the event. The police, fire department, and the Illinois Department of Labor are leading the investigation into the incident. Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow stated that they would collaborate with the Lake County States Attorney to determine if there are any criminal charges are warranted.
The Moby Dick ride at the festival was provided by All American Amusement, a company based in Lockport, Illinois. The ride is manufactured by Wisdom Rides of America as part of its Genesis Ride line. All American and Wisdom Rides have not yet commented on the incident.
Authorities will be closely examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine if any negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the boy’s injuries. The outcome of the investigation may have implications for the regulation and oversight of amusement rides in the future.