Girl at Illinois Fair Falls From Ride, Dies
A 14-year-old girl fell out of a pendulum-like ride at the Illinois State Fair and fell nearly 70 feet to her death.
Witnesses said the girl fell about 7:30 p.m. CDT Friday as the car was at the top of its overhead swing. She was then struck by the swinging car as it descended. The girl’s name was not released.
Rides like the Kamikaze, which spins its riders upside-down, have two separate locking systems, so that if one fails, the other will protect the rider, said Bernie Mallens, general agent for carnival operator Blomsness-Thebault.
Mallens said there was no sign of mechanical failure, but added he couldn’t comment further until police investigations are complete.
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