A Florida fair ride operator is recovering after being caught on a ride, raising new concerns about the safety of amusement rides.
Davontai Lee was working at the Clay County Fair on Friday night in Green Cove Spring when he became trapped from the waist down by a large metal plate on the Hydra ride. The plate was lowered into place as he tried to retrieve a customer’s hat that had fallen.
The 28-year-old was trapped for about 15 minutes before first responders could free him from the metal slab. The ordeal was captured on video and showed Lee trapped, crying out in pain. Witness Aurelia Smith filmed the disturbing incident and shared the video on Facebook, warning people, “Don’t go to the fair!”
Lee was rushed to the hospital, and he was still there as of Sunday. He updated people about his condition on Facebook, writing that he was in pain but thankful to be alive. When speaking with News4JAX, he attributed the incident to a miscommunication with another operator who seemingly lowered the plate as Lee was trying to retrieve the hat. He says he is now traumatized by the moment and will not be returning to the fair where he has worked for about eight years.
Clay County Fire Rescue Chief David Kuykendall downplayed the incident, claiming that the man “was never actually truly trapped” but “more like he was caught.”
An inspection of the Hydra has deemed the ride safe, and Clay County Sheriff’s Office Chief Jeff Johnson maintains that people should continue to enjoy it.
This malfunction comes two weeks after 14-year-old football player Tyre Sampson fell to his death from a ride at ICON Park in Orlando, sparking outrage regarding ride safety and operator competence.
Lee is considering legal action against the fair.
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