Boy, 6, severely injured falling off theme park rollercoaster as ride closed

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Boy, 6, severely injured falling off theme park rollercoaster as ride closed
Boy, 6, severely injured falling off theme park rollercoaster as ride closed

A six-year-old child was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries after falling off a rollercoaster at an amusement park, in a horrifying incident.

Rescue crews rushed to the Fun Spot America – Kissimmee amusement park in Florida at around 3pm local time on Thursday afternoon responding to reports that a child had fallen from a roller coaster called The Galaxy Spin.

The circumstances under which the dramatic fall occurred are unclear, however, rescuers from the Osceola County Fire Rescue Department managed to lift the boy from about 20 feet beneath the ride's track. He was rushed to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, where he was treated for serious injuries.

Boy, 6, severely injured falling off theme park rollercoaster as ride closed qhidqhikeideeinv (FOX 35)

A spokesperson from the Osceola County Fire Rescue Department told FOX 35 that the child had suffered "traumatic injuries." The exact condition and injuries of the child are unknown. The park ride was reportedly closed to the public after the incident.

Another statement by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services read: "The department is aware of the incident and we’re currently investigating. The ride is closed pending the outcome of the investigation." That agency is responsible for inspecting most attractions and rides in Florida.

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Boy, 6, severely injured falling off theme park rollercoaster as ride closedThe child fell off a rollercoaster called the Galaxy Spin in Florida (FOX 35)

Fun Spot America said in a statement late Friday: "An unfortunate incident happened on the Galaxy Spin Roller Coaster that resulted in a child being injured." They added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and their family, and we pray for a speedy recovery."

Fun Spot's statement did not specify how the incident occurred. However, they said that the rollercoaster was found to be in a "normal operating condition" and that all safety procedures and guidelines were followed, despite the unfortunate incident.

Boy, 6, severely injured falling off theme park rollercoaster as ride closedThe ride closed down after the child suffered 'traumatic injuries' during the fall (Google Street View)

The statement added: "The safety of our guests is our number one priority. We are working with the Florida Department of Agriculture and the manufacturer to investigate the incident.

"The FDACS has inspected the ride and found it to be in normal operating condition with no mechanical issues. They also found the ride was operated following all safety procedures and guidelines outlined by the manufacture and industry standards."

Boy, 6, severely injured falling off theme park rollercoaster as ride closedThe dramatic fall occurred at Florida's Fun Spot theme park (FOX 35)

The Galaxy Spin is a wild mouse-style coaster with car seats, each of which seats up to four people. The ride takes visitors around sharp corners and tight turns with a couple of drops along the way.

Fun Spot said the ride is closed pending the investigation and would not reopen "until we are 100% sure this will not happen again." There are two Fun Spot amusement parks in Florida – Orlando and Kissimmee – and a third in Atlanta, Georgia.

Vassia Barba

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