In a deeply concerning incident that has raised serious questions about amusement park safety protocols, two young girls endured a terrifying ordeal when they were left stranded on a Ferris wheel for hours in near-freezing temperatures at a Louisiana fair.
The Chilling Ordeal
The nightmare began on Saturday evening at the West Baton Rouge Parish Fair when seven-year-old Journee and nine-year-old Jazlyn boarded what should have been an exciting amusement ride. Instead, they found themselves trapped approximately 30 feet in the air as temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling 4°C.
"They were crying, they were screaming, they were yelling," recounted the girls' distressed mother, Lacye Levier. "They were up there for about an hour and a half, two hours."
Parental Intervention Required
The situation grew increasingly desperate as the girls' family realised the ride operators had apparently abandoned their positions. With no staff in sight to operate the controls, the children's stepfather took matters into his own hands.
"My husband had to get on the ride and figure out how to work it himself to get them down," Ms Levier revealed, highlighting the complete breakdown of safety procedures at the fairgrounds.
Official Response and Investigation
West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office has confirmed they are actively investigating the incident. According to official statements, preliminary findings suggest that "the individuals operating the ride left the ride for the evening and did not ensure all riders were off the ride before leaving."
The Sheriff's Office emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating they are treating the incident as "the crime of Neglect of the Infirmed." This classification reflects the vulnerability of the young victims and the potential severity of the consequences.
Community Outrage and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked outrage within the local community and raised broader questions about amusement ride safety standards. With temperatures dropping dangerously low and the children exposed to the elements for an extended period, many are questioning how such a fundamental safety breach could occur.
"They were crying, they were cold," Ms Levier recounted, her voice filled with emotion. "They were traumatised from the situation."
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including identifying the responsible parties and determining what disciplinary or legal actions may be appropriate. The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper safety protocols in amusement park operations.
As the investigation progresses, the community awaits answers about how two young children could be so dangerously neglected at what should have been a fun family outing.
