The girl's foot became wedged between the coaster and load platform when she was getting off the ride. Little feet can find their ways into the smallest of spaces. (Trust me on this. I wouldn't go on an escalator for years after my foot got caught in one at the Topanga Plaza mall when I was 5.) From the anecdotal evidence we've collected here at Theme Park Insider, kids are at greatest risk on theme park rides when they are getting on or off the ride vehicle. And especially when they are exiting, as the trepidation of getting on a new ride's been replaced by the carefree exhilaration of having ridden it.
So please take a look at our theme park safety tips. And parents, do not hestitate to just pick up and carry your small kids onto and off theme park ride vehicles. I'm happy to hear that the girl will be okay. [BTW, to our friends at the Sentinel, you needed eight staff writers to cover this? ;-) Was someone from Trib corporate visiting, so everyone wanted to get out of the office?] And that the ride checked out and is reopened today. Let's all do what we can to keep our kids safe at the parks this summer.
But eight staff credits on an unbylined story is one of those, um, rather unusual situations that journalists like to tease one another about.
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As far as eight staff reporting on this?? Thats ridiculous! Slow news week for them?