Fatal accident in the US state of Florida! In Orlando, a boy (14) fell out of a so-called freefall tower on Thursday – and died. This was announced by the local police.
By René Garzke
Tire Sampson, who died, was visiting central Florida with the family of a friend from Missouri, investigators said. They are now investigating the incident.
Sheriff John Mina: “It just seems like a terrible tragedy.”
The boy who was injured was taken to a hospital after the incident and died there, the sheriff’s office said. Investigators did not give any further details.
The tower only opened last December and, according to the Icon amusement park, is the tallest in the world at 131 meters.
John Stine of the Slighshot Group, which owns the tower, told the Associated Press that so far there have been no problems with the ride.
“Our hearts go out to this young man’s family”
Stine continued: “We are absolutely saddened and devastated by what has happened. Our hearts go out to this young man’s family.”
The US broadcaster NBC showed a video immediately before the incident on Friday morning. As the ride begins, an operator yells, “Hey, have you fastened your seat belt on the left side? Fasten your seatbelts!” Then it starts, shortly afterwards something falls down – it’s the boy.
Eyewitness Montrey Williams told Fox35: “At first we thought it was part of the ride or whatever, until we got a little closer and it was a person lying on the ground. Everyone was panicking and screaming.”
What exactly happened – so far unclear!
The amusement park said: “The owner of the attraction is fully cooperating with the authorities. Icon Park is doing everything in its power to help.”
Just last year, a maintenance technician fell from a neighboring ride at the park. He fell from almost 70 meters and died. He should not have been properly secured.
