The family was on a log flume-type ride at Castle Park when a water pump experienced a mechanical failure Saturday, the city of Riverside Fire Department said.
A family of three was hurt, including one woman who suffered critical injuries, when they were tossed from a malfunctioning log ride at a California amusement park, officials said.
The family was on a log flume-type ride at Castle Park when a water pump experienced a mechanical failure Saturday, the city of Riverside Fire Department said.
As a result of the failure, no water was flowing on the ride and the log-shaped car the family was sitting in went down the ride’s descent rapidly, authorities said.
The car hit the bottom, flipped over and ejected a woman, man and boy, fire officials said. “I was watching my kids on the ride and I just heard this big thud,” witness Robert Mahler told KCAL-TV.
“All of a sudden I saw the boat careening around the corner and it went way too fast and it tilted … and all I saw was … legs falling out of the boat. Cartwheels out of the boat. And down into the water," Mahler added.
Park workers and bystanders rushed to help the family, according to reports. Emergency workers also responded to the park.
The family was taken to Riverside Community Hospital Trauma Center, where the woman was listed in critical condition, the man was in moderate condition and the child was treated for minor injuries.
Castle Park said in a statement the ride would remain closed as park and state officials investigated the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family involved in the incident,” the park said in a statement. “Safety has always been our highest priority. … We are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the incident on the Log Ride and are fully cooperating with the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health.”
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