Pennsylvania roller coaster accident: Child rushed to hospital after being thrown from ride

A park spokesperson said he was 'alert' and talking to his family after the accident

Wikipedia

A 3-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after falling off a roller coaster at a Pennsylvania theme park.

The child fell from the middle portion of the Rollo Coaster ride at the Ligonier park, Idlewild & SoakZone, about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, according to

.

A spokesperson said the child was “alert” and talking with his family at the time of the accident, but did not immediately disclose the extent of his injuries. It remains unclear whether or not the accident occurred as a result of the rider’s behaviour or a technical malfunction.

Officials did not identify the victim beyond his age.

Injuries from Amusement Attractions in 2015 | Graphiq

Ligonier police are conducting an investigation as the Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Division has closed the roller coaster.

The roller coaster has a minimum height requirement of 36 inches. A child under 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult.

The accident comes only days after 10-year-old Caleb Schwab died in an accident at a Kansas water park on the world’s tallest water slide.

Schwab was riding the “Verruckt” raft ride before witnesses reported seeing his body hurled into safety netting and down the slide. He was reportedly decapitated.

The Schlitterbahn WaterPark reopened Wednesday, save for a portion containing the raft ride.