A 10-year-old boy remains hospitalized after being thrown from a carnival ride at the Taste of Antioch event on Sunday afternoon.
The incident has shaken the community, prompting investigations and raising concerns about safety protocols.
The boy’s family and local officials express shock and call for accountability as they grapple with the aftermath of the tragic incident.
The Antioch Fire Department received a distress call around 2:40 pm reporting a child injured on a carnival ride.
The boy, identified as Huntley, was airlifted in critical condition from Antioch to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
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Boy Thrown From Ride Due to Improper Fastening
Village officials stated that the accident occurred due to improper fastening, causing Huntley to be thrown from the ride while it was in motion.
Huntley’s family, who had attended the Taste of Antioch as part of their annual tradition, expressed deep shock and anguish.
Huntley’s grandmother, Dawne Pohlman, described the incident as horrific and unacceptable. Huntley’s mother witnessed the accident from below and tried to catch him before he hit the ground.
After being transferred to Comer Children’s Hospital, Huntley underwent surgery, primarily focusing on his face.
His family emphasized the long and challenging road to recovery that awaits him, acknowledging the need for counseling and support for the entire family.
The incident took place on the final day of Antioch’s summer festival, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner made the difficult decision to shut down all carnival rides for the remainder of the event, prioritizing public safety and respect for the affected family.
Antioch village officials, in collaboration with the Department of Labor, launched an investigation into the incident to determine what went wrong.
A comprehensive report is expected in the following months to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.