3 Injured After Water Park Ride Malfunctions in California

At least three people were hurt, including one critically, when a water park ride malfunctioned at a Southern California park.

The accident took place at 4:30 p.m. at Castle Park amusement park in Riverside, KTLA reported.

Two adults and a child were thrown out of a log-shaped car as it reached the bottom of a waterslide, Vanderhorst stated.

One patient, a woman, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, Riverside City Fire Department Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst told the news outlet.

UPDATE: Officials now say an adult and 2 children were thrown from a log ride, leaving the adult in critical condition. https://t.co/ke6iKJdtbD

— KTLA (@KTLA) May 26, 2019

A fire department spokesman, Brian Guzzetta, said that the other two patients were treated for minor injuries.

“We’ve been a part of this community for decades and we take safety very seriously,” Castle Park said in a statement. “There will be a full investigation on our part, and the Department of Safety and Health is on their way here to conduct their own investigation as well.”

Watching his children on a ride Saturday at a California amusement park, Robert Mahler heard “this big thud” from a nearby log-flume ride, KCAL reported. https://t.co/zw6JuOHHm9

— The Sacramento Bee (@sacbee_news) May 26, 2019

Park officials also said that “our thoughts and prayers are with the guests involved,” according to the Bee. “Safety is our number one priority and we have begun conducting a full investigation.”

Robert Mahler, a witness, said he heard a “big thud” near the log ride, according to the Sacramento Bee.

A woman was critically injured and her husband and child were also hurt when a water log ride at a California amusement park malfunctioned and flipped over, throwing them from their seats, officials said. https://t.co/xqaaTDE2J3

— ABC News (@ABC) May 26, 2019

“All I saw was, just, essentially, legs falling out of the boat. Cartwheels out of the boat. And down into the water,” the Bee quoted Mahler as saying. “Everybody was just screaming and panicking.”

“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and never seen this happen,” said Omar Ramirez, the report said.

Update on family hurt when log ride allegedly malfunctioned at Castle Park in Riverside. https://t.co/tAxfBSjz0o pic.twitter.com/fEDmcdQ6TA

— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) May 26, 2019

#Riverside Log Ride malfunction at Castle Park injures 3, one was trapped under the log, all transported by RiversideFD @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/koaoWZTYOo

— Kevin Takumi (@KevinTakumi) May 26, 2019

Castle Park was founded in 1976, its website says. It features miniature golf courses and 35 rides on 25 acres.