Carnival Ride Malfunctions, Leaving Riders Stranded Mid-Air

A Zipper ride at a carnival in Thousand Oaks, California malfunctioned, leaving 18 guests trapped midair for nearly an hour. Rescuers manually lowered the ride to safely evacuate the passengers.

On September 1, a harrowing incident occurred at the Conejo Valley Days carnival in Thousand Oaks, California. A Zipper ride malfunctioned, leaving approximately 18 guests stranded mid-air. The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) received an alert at around 8:05 p.m. and swiftly responded to the scene.

The VCFD personnel successfully rescued all riders by manually lowering the amusement ride. The rescue operation took approximately half an hour, and no injuries were reported. First responders remained on the scene for 35 minutes.

Carnival Ride Malfunctions, Leaving Riders Stranded Mid-Air

Kastl Amusements, the carnival operator, confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital. They stated that the ride's computer control system detected an anomaly, causing it to stop operating as designed. Passengers were securely fastened, not upside down, and not in immediate danger.

Kastl Amusements clarified that their ride operators initiated the unloading procedure according to manufacturer guidelines. They emphasized that the evacuation process, though gradual, is carefully designed to maintain balance and ensure passenger safety.

Carnival Ride Malfunctions, Leaving Riders Stranded Mid-Air

In contrast to the VCFD's Facebook post, Kastl Amusements stated that authorities were present but did not assist in the rescue. According to Kay Kastl, the carnival owner, staff members assisted guests in disembarking the ride safely. No injuries were reported during the evacuation.

Kastl Amusements is currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the malfunction. They emphasized their commitment to safety and reiterated that the ride's safety features operated as intended.

Carnival Ride Malfunctions, Leaving Riders Stranded Mid-Air

Similar incidents have occurred at amusement parks worldwide, reminding us of the importance of ride safety. In July 2022, 24 people were trapped on a roller coaster at the Washington State Fair for nearly two hours due to a malfunction.

In 2021, a Ferris wheel at an amusement park in India malfunctioned, causing several of its cabins to swing violently and collide with the ride structure. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

Carnival Ride Malfunctions, Leaving Riders Stranded Mid-Air

These incidents highlight the need for amusement parks to prioritize safety and adhere to strict maintenance and inspection protocols. Regular testing, thorough staff training, and emergency response plans are crucial to ensure the safety of park visitors.

As investigations into the Conejo Valley Days incident continue, the public is advised to be cautious when participating in amusement park rides. While thrill rides provide excitement, it is essential to emphasize safety first and follow all instructions provided by ride operators.