I may be overprotective, but...

[Microcell]

where were this girl's parents???????? My DD will not be kneeling on a ride at the age of seven, because she will be next to me on the stupid thing!

Of course I am the one who wanted to balk at Splash Mountain during our last trip because she was only an inch or two above the height requirement.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Northeast/05/23/park.death.ap/index.html

 

[buzzlady]

I agree that at age 7 my DS would be with myself or DH or maybe, depending on the ride, my older DS.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

In the article or another one they said the girl was there with a family friend.

The girl pronounced dead at United Hospital from massive head trauma. She was not at Playland with parents. She was with a family friend.

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/news/wabc_052304_ride1.html#

 

[4greatboys]

"Mind Scrambler riders are strapped in place with lap bars and safety panels that are locked with steel pins. The centrifugal force of the ride keeps people in place, Montalto said."




How did she manage to get up on her knees with these safety precautions in place?

 

[Stepharoonie!]

 

[tiggerlover]

A very sad and unfortunate incident. I actually printed this article to read with my 8 year old son and reinforce safety first when on amusement park rides.

 

[Evil Princess]

Originally posted by 4greatboys
"Mind Scrambler riders are strapped in place with lap bars and safety panels that are locked with steel pins. The centrifugal force of the ride keeps people in place, Montalto said."




How did she manage to get up on her knees with these safety precautions in place?

A seven year old, depending on the size, can be small enough to shift her body position and kneel. The ride itself isn't really that dangerous, but when you stand/kneel on any ride it's going to make it deadly. I'm wondering if she was locked into place kneeling, or if she did it when the ride op wasn't looking.