Connecticut Carnival Ride Fails, Injuring 18, Mostly Children

Authorities said a "swing" ride at the Oyster Festival in Norwalk lost power

Eighteen people were injured -- most of them children -- when a ride at a Connecticut carnival lost power Sunday afternoon, police said.

Authorities said a "swing" ride at the Oyster Festival in Norwalk lost power, causing those on the ride to fall to the ground.

Twelve children and one adult were taken to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, while five other refused treatment at the scene, police said.

The victims were taken to Norwalk, Stamford and Bridgeport hospitals. All but one had been released by Sunday evening; the patient who was admitted had non-life threatening injuries.

Onlookers say watching the ride come to an abrupt stop was terrifying.

"We didn't know what happened," said Sam Razzaia. "It was so frightening to see kids screaming, flying off the ride."

Some of the children had broken bones and others were put in neck braces.

"People were running to get their children off the ride and I got a little boy off the swing," said April Potasz. "He had a deep contusion on his leg and his bone was hanging out."

Other rides at the amusement park were closed following the accident but reopened later in the afternoon after being inspected, according to a statement from the Norwalk Seaport Association, the event's organizers.

"We are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities," the association said. "Our first and only concern is for the well-being of those involved and their families."

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