Six Flags bans candy, gum on rides
May 6, 2003
BY ANA MENDIETA Staff Reporter
Six Flags Great America will be changing all signs to include specific language prohibiting the consumption of not only food and beverages but candy and gum in all rides.
The new, expanded signs come in the wake of the choking death of 11-year-old Erica Emmons of Gary while she was riding the Raging Bull during a family outing at Six Flags on Saturday.
"All signage is definitely being changed. They will say that no food, beverage, candy or gum will be allowed during the rides,'' said Susan Storey, Great America spokeswoman. "Ride operators tell guests they are not allowed to have food and beverages. Now we are adding a second layer by adding that onto the signs."
Erica was apparently in distress during the ride on the Raging Bull, according to her aunt, and when the ride ended she was unconscious. Paramedics tried unsuccessfully to revive Erica and removed a bluish-green, caramel-like substance from the girl's trachea that might be gum, authorities said. An autopsy found traces of a similar substance in her mouth.
The accident was medically related and wasn't caused by the Raging Bull, Storey said.
Signs at Great America already inform riders that food and drinks are prohibited on rides. Now prohibitions on the use of candy and gum will be added.
"Appropriate warnings need to be in place and be enforced," said Ken Martin, Amusement Ride Safety Consultant in Richmond, Va. "And its wording should be appropriate so all levels of intelligence could understand it.''
Martin said he knows of a half dozen choking cases that have occurred on amusement rides. The problem lies in the lack of federal oversight on fixed amusement parks, Martin said.
"This was a tragic incident that serves to further strengthen our commitment to the safety of our guests and employees,'' Great America officials said in a written statement.
