MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) — Both the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Indiana Beach have released statements regarding the ride, The Hoosier Hurricane, where a passenger died and a second who reported receiving a shock. Indiana code requires the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to inspect all amusement rides annually and Indiana Beach was inspected before the park opened for the season.
According to the IDHS's statement, on June 27, a second inspection of the Hoosier Hurricane was requested by Indiana Beach after a 12-year-old Lafayette boy suffered a medical condition after exiting the ride. The boy later died. White County Sheriff Bill Brooks was advised the death was due to a pre-existing medical condition, not related to any malfunction with the ride. Indiana Beach stopped using the ride until the inspection and it was cleared by the IDHS.
The IDHS also stated on Sunday, June 30, they were contacted after a rider had reported to a doctor she was shocked while exiting the same ride, the Hoosier Hurricane. A full inspection and six test rides failed to reproduce any electrical effect or hazard.
DHS said this will make the fourth time the agency has inspected the ride since May 1 and will be closely watching the ride.
Indiana Beach Director of Marketing Boo Birk released the following statement regarding the events.
"The safety of our guests and team members is our first priority. All our rides are inspected annually by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, third-party engineers and the park maintenance team. All rides are inspected daily as well by park personnel. After the reported incident, the Hoosier Hurricane was thoroughly examined by park maintenance personnel and inspectors from the Department of Homeland Security."
We will hear from a 12-year-old girl who says she was shocked tonight at 6 p.m.
