Monday, December 6, 2010

Girl Overrun by Float at Parade


Bay County, Fla:

The Panama City Christmas parade almost takes a turn for the worst when a young girl is run over by one of the floats.

It happened Saturday night, directly in front of the Dan-D-Donuts and Deli shop on Harrison Avenue. Witnesses say the girl was trying to pick up candy, when the parade float ran over her foot.

The girl was not taken to the hospital. Panama City police officials confirm she was luckily not hurt.



Read more: http://www.panhandleparade.com/index.php/mbb/article/girl_run_over_by_float_at_parade/mbb7727060/#ixzz17LeKcwrJ

Condition of girl hurt in parade improves Columbia Daily Tribune Published November 21, 2010 at 7:07 p.m. Advertisement A 7-year-old girl who was r

Condition of girl hurt in parade improves

A 7-year-old girl who was run over by a trailer during the Columbia Holiday Parade yesterday has been upgraded to good condition.


Shianne E. Nesmith was listed in stable condition yesterday evening after the 3:45 p.m. incident. The Columbia resident was pulled under a trailer during the parade, according to a Columbia police news release. The accident took place on Sixth Street between Broadway and Cherry streets.

The girl was participating in the Fairview United Methodist Little Bethlehem float, on a small trailer being pulled by a Dodge Durango truck. She approached the trailer to get more of the coins they were handing out, police said, when a piece of her clothing caught on the trailer and she was pulled underneath. A tire of the trailer ran over her, injuring the left side of her body. She was taken to University Hospital.

Police identified the truck’s driver as Jesse Munkirs, 61, of Columbia. Munkirs was not injured and was wearing a seat belt. There were two passengers in the trailer, another 7-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl. Neither was injured.

Girl in stable condition after being hit by parade float


Ashley Blackstone 1 day ago


The Jacksonville Fire Department says a 6-year-old girl is in stable condition after she was hit by a parade float.

The accident happened Saturday around 1:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Christmas Parade.

Police say the girl was attempting to climb onto the float when she got hit. She was taken to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Firefighters say she had no signs of visible injury.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Student’s death raises safety concerns


Student’s death raises safety concerns


Student’s death raises safety concerns

Published: Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 11:42 a.m.

THIBODAUX — When Nathan Trepagnier and his fraternity mates took a hayride down Audubon Avenue Saturday, they were participating in a homecoming activity, approved by Nicholls State University officials, that was supposed to be safe.


But in the wake of the 19-year-old Metairie native’s death, trailer manufacturers and law-enforcement officials have raised concerns about the safety of people riding on trailers meant to haul equipment.

Trepagnier was run over and killed after falling from a hayride traveling on Audubon Avenue Saturday afternoon, State Police said. Trepagnier, who had been sitting on bale of hay, was trying to reposition himself when he fell, authorities said. Toxicology results on Trepagnier are pending.

Trepagnier’s fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order, had to register with the university to participate in the homecoming parade, university spokesman Graham Harvey said. University officials met Sept. 15 to review and assess campus activities, including safety measures.

Trepagnier’s death was the first of its kind during homecoming festivities, Harvey said. The university plans to review the State Police report on the student’s death before taking “all necessary measures,” the spokesman added.

The practice of using trailers in parades, whether Mardi Gras or homecoming, is not uncommon in south Louisiana, nor is it uncommon to see them used in hayrides around Halloween.

While these trailers are generally a part of slow-moving processions, that does not mean there is not some danger involved, authorities said.


“Any time you’re in any type of moving vehicle and not fastened in the vehicle, you’re at a risk,” State Police Sgt. Markus Smith said. Hayrides are particularly dangerous because they don’t have proper seating or restraints, he added.

The trailer Trepagnier was riding had a 1- to 2-foot-high railing, said Master Trooper Bryan Zeringue of State Police Troop C in Gray.

There were 22 people sitting in the truck and the trailer, he added, noting he did believe the trailer, itself, was overcrowded with people.

“They’re not moving fast, but you don’t have to be moving fast for anything to happen,” Zeringue said, adding the railings must be secure and high enough for people to fall, if trailers are going to be used to carry people in parades.

Without proper modifications, “trailers are not meant for people” and are meant for property carrying purposes, said Clint Lancaster, the technical director for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers.

On Sunday, Trepagnier’s father, Wilfred Trepagnier Jr., said there was no one to blame for his son’s death because it was a “freak accident.” He repeated that belief during a phone interview Wednesday.

As a member of the Krewe of Bacchus in New Orleans, Trepagnier’s father said he is no stranger to riding on floats. The parade’s members must wear a harness to ride, he said.

Asked if he could think of any similar precautions for a hayride, Trepagner’s father replied that he could not and added his son had been sitting down, which was a seemingly safe position.

“He just moved a little bit to get comfortable on the bale he was sitting on,” Trepagnier’s father said.

Attempts to contact Kappa Alpha Order adviser Mike Matherne, who was out of town, were unsuccessful.


Trepagnier’s Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nathan Scott Trepagnier Scholarship Fund at Holy Rosary Academy and High School, 3368 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, La. 70119.

Staff Writer Raymond Legendre can be reached at 448-7617 or raymond.legendre@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @cometcrime.


Animal Paradise Owner Talks About Hayride Accident

Credit http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=7174

Animal Paradise Owner Talks About Hayride Accident

See Video...Click Below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq-Azj2d9Qk

A day after a hayride accident sent a group of students to the hospital; Animal Paradise Family Fun Park owners speak out about the incident.

Eighteen high school students, mostly from Clever, were hurt when the tractor pulling the hayride trailer at Animal Paradise slid backwards, ejecting all the students. Thirteen of them were taken to Springfield hospitals.


The person with the worst injuries was the driver. Owner Lisa Ann Oddo says he has a broken rib, but doing fine. She says she's glad no one else was seriously hurt.


"Our hearts go out to the families, to the schools, to the parents. I'm a mother and I can completely relate if my child was on a field trip and had that experience, the fear that I would fear; we're just really glad that all the kids were okay." says Oddo.


The area attraction is back to operating on its regular schedule. Meantime, hospital officials at CoxHealth and St. John's say everyone involved has been treated and released.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Woman, 4 children injured in Millbrook accident. I added this to the Headline....NO lights,,,No Reflector Tape...



NOTE: This is my addition...almost all Farm Trailers are in deplorable condition. These trailers are rusted, have questionable construction standards and YES DO NOT HAVE WORKING TAILLIGHTS AND DO NOT HAVE REFLECTOR TAPE.

I ask...send me the pictures of the trailer....

Woman, 4 children injured in Millbrook accident



Posted: Sunday, October 31, 2010 3:54 pm | Updated: 9:43 am, Tue Nov 2, 2010.

MILLBROOK — Four children and one adult were injured in an accident on the 700 block of Myrick Road Saturday night in Millbrook.

The accident involved a tractor pulling a trailer with children and adults aboard and a 2006 Nissan Altima, which were traveling westbound on Myrick Road around 8:43 p.m., according to Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson.

“According to the driver of the Nissan, he did not see the trailer until he was up on it,” Johnson said. “The Nissan struck the trailer, causing it to overturn.”

Johnson said the trailer was carrying children and adults who were out in area neighborhoods trick or treating.

“I think they were wrapping up their trick or treating and were about to drop off one of the children when the accident happened,” Johnson said.

A 40-year-old woman, who was on the trailer, was airlifted to Baptist Medical Center South in Mont gomery with serious to critical injuries, Johnson said.

As of late Sunday afternoon, Johnson said the woman had suffered a broken leg, which may require surgery.

Three of the children on the trailer were transported to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, while another child was transported to Jackson Hospital in Montgomery.

The children were ranged in age from 7 to 10 years old, according to Johnson.

One of the children suffered a broken ankle, which may need surgery, Johnson said. The other three were treated and released from the hospital Saturday night.

The driver of the Nissan was a 30-year-old man from Deatsville and was not hurt, Johnson said.

“This appears to be nothing more than an unfortunate accident,” Johnson said. “There does not appear to be drugs or alcohol related to the accident.”

Johnson said he didn’t foresee any charges related to the accident forthcoming.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Hayride turns dangerous at Village of Terror ...Loose Trailer


What started as a fun day at the Village of Terror turned into a frightening evening for people on a hayride that went hay-wire, rolling backwards down a hill and crashing into a carnival ride.

Correction:

The Village of Terror originally told WEAU 13 News the hayride crashed into the TIlt O Whirl ride. It actually crashed into a different ride next to it, a ferris-wheel-type ride with cages for people to sit in. The Village of Terror orgainzers apologize for the misinformation.

Original story:

What started as a fun day at the Village of Terror in Chippewa Falls turned into a frightening evening for people on a hayride that went hay-wire, rolling backwards down a hill and crashing into a carnival ride.

“I had my eyes shut the whole time because I thought I don’t want to see myself die, because I thought that we were going to,” says Amanda Weaver. “We were going so fast it was crazy.”

13 –year-old Weaver and her sister Mary say they've never been so scared as they were yesterday, when a hayride wagon at the Village of Terror came unhitched and went backwards down this hill, and into this ride.

“I had my eyes open the whole time and I thought the big ride was going to crash down on top of all of us,” says Mary Weaver.

“I got smashed like this in between (some poles) and that’s how my rib got bruised,” says Amanda.

Amanda went to the hospital, but says she's doing better. The Village of Terror organizers say they're not going to have hayrides anymore because of the terrain on the festival grounds.

“The hayride won’t be happening unless we can make sure it's 150 percent safe,” says spokesperson Julie Pangallo. “It's probably better left to apple orchards where they have flat fields.”

The staff say they apologize to anyone who got hurt, and they're working to make the festival safer.

“We’re very sorry for the scare. We're obviously here to scare people, but not like that,” says Pangallo.

The Weavers say there's no hard feelings and they'd like to return to the Village of Terror to see the rest of the show.

The Village of Terror says it tested the tractor and wagon for the hayrides, but never tried it with a full load before yesterday.

The Village of Terror staff also wants people to make sure they're respectful of the performers. Pangallo says yesterday some of the zombie characters were hit and had rocks thrown at them by kids and teens.



Comments:


Posted by: Amanda Location: chippewa falls on Oct 20, 2010 at 04:30 PM
Dave- the pin was found severed in half. Too much weight on the wagon and VERY small tractor.
[ Report Abuse ]

"54172068"
Posted by: Dave Location: Bloomer on Oct 20, 2010 at 07:42 AM

'Amanda' Stated she was on the hayride and the pin unhitched. I have been driving tractor & towing implements & machinery for over 30 years. When the hitch pin goes in, the safety clip is installed. ALWAYS!! This is fundamental tractor safety.
[ Report Abuse ]
"54100453"
Posted by: Buckers on Oct 19, 2010 at 09:42 AM

I was also on the hayride and the management was very concerned about us. As for the village, it was a lot of fun and brought my grandkids 2 nights for the free rides. As for hiring a child molester, how would the people know this. Well worth the money.
[ Report Abuse ]
"54094231"
Posted by: Halloween Fun on Oct 19, 2010 at 08:30 AM

I went to Valleyfair (aka Valleyscare) for their Halloween fun, it was the first time I've been there for Halloween. It was phenomenal! Granted it is more expensive than $19.00, but there weren't many people, most rides were open, and they really go all out. No one got hurt that I heard of!
[ Report Abuse ]
"54069333"
Posted by: concerned Location: altoona on Oct 18, 2010 at 11:19 PM

This place should be shut down. Major safty issues not only with the equipment but with the people they hire. Whatever happened to background checks?
[ Report Abuse ]
"54056083"
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 18, 2010 at 06:17 PM

I'm starting to wonder about this place. They hired that sexual predator DJ guy without a care. Doesn't sound like a very professional endeavor.
[ Report Abuse ]
"54053249"
Posted by: concerned parent Location: eau claire on Oct 18, 2010 at 05:16 PM

How can carny rides, haywagon rides, haunted houses, be run without being to code? Drug pipes for sale? Now I hear a registered sex offender is selling tickets there. Obviously this company only cares about money and not the welfare and safety of our children. Very disapointed!
[ Report Abuse ]
"54051879"
Posted by: Lucie Location: Eau Claire, WI on Oct 18, 2010 at 04:49 PM

I wish people would stop overreacting. What would we do in this little hick town if we had an actual disaster happen? There is rarely anything to do in the Chippewa Valley, and with all of the exagerated complaints, they will probably not bring the Village back next year. I was there Friday and Saturday nights with groups of friends (ages 10-50) and it was amazing and worth every penny.
[ Report Abuse ]
"54049116"
Posted by: Anon Location: CF on Oct 18, 2010 at 04:03 PM

Wow - Now we find out that they are hiring sexual molesters to sell tickets. Shut this place down now !!!
[ Report Abuse ]
"54045968"
Posted by: anonymous Location: eau claire on Oct 18, 2010 at 03:18 PM

group - If you're looking for a "family oriented" event, then why are you taking your daughter to a halloween event called Village of Terrors of all things?
[ Report Abuse ]
"54023779"
Posted by: Joe Location: Eau Claire on Oct 18, 2010 at 09:52 AM

Save your money people.. waste of time and run by unsafe people.
[ Report Abuse ]
"54005703"
Posted by: group Location: chippewa falls on Oct 18, 2010 at 12:13 AM

I want you all to know that I took my daughter there friday night... it sucked. I took my daughter on a ride and the cable broke. It gave us a good jolt. To pay $15 is a RIP OFF... and then to pay another $4 to do the maze... come on...there was only 2 haunted houses...no hayride...the rides were all breaking...we will not return there.. times are tough so they should at least make it worth the $19!!! one other thing that turned me off was that one of the stands is selling crack pipes or whatever u call them,.... that is not real family oriented if u ask me!! VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!
[ Report Abuse ]
"54001537"
Posted by: Emme on Oct 17, 2010 at 09:45 PM

'By the way, don't throw rocks at the monsters"... lol
[ Report Abuse ]
"53989702"
Posted by: Beth Location: Cadott on Oct 17, 2010 at 04:42 PM

I love how at the end of this report the operators of the Village of Terror try to change the subject and say.."oh yeah...by the way, quit throwing rocks at the staff" Really??? Someone could have been seriously hurt...I really don't think that comment applies here.
[ Report Abuse ]
"53986332"
Posted by: Amanda Location: chippewa falls on Oct 17, 2010 at 03:26 PM

I WAS ON THE RIDE. im amanda and no i was not there to get my rib cage bruised. not even on the outside but its on the inside. and the pin DID come unhitched. we saw it and stuff. this story is correct., but my friend lily was with me to.
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Posted by: mary Location: eau claire on Oct 17, 2010 at 08:14 AM
To musky hunter... yes, I am assuming that the hitch pin would be most likely to fail, and clip in the pin.. and safety chains. Otherwise, it would be the drawbar or truck hitch (which is attached with pin) or the wagon tongue coming unbolted. I have been hauling loads with tractors for more than 30 years. With farming, "Safety First" is a must for our lives and livelihood. I did and do read articles, and think about them before I'd jump the gun and make a comment or criticism.
[ Report Abuse ]
"53948782"
Posted by: Anon Location: Menomonie on Oct 16, 2010 at 08:32 PM

We attended the village of terror last night, I do believe there are ALOT of safety concerns. The maze has very uneven ground and the fencing is very sharp and narrow. I hit my head and my husband ripped his sweatshirt on a nail that was in the fencing....it is very dark and dangerous especially with the uneven ground!! It is a fun place to go but they really do mean...ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
[ Report Abuse ]
"53945488"
Posted by: janice Location: chippewa co. on Oct 16, 2010 at 06:53 PM

By the time this fiasco is done, there will be plenty of terror to go around. Imagine the nightmares these children will have. Money talks!
[ Report Abuse ]
"53941403"
Posted by: Musky Hunter Location: Tuscobia on Oct 16, 2010 at 04:35 PM

I honestly believe that the majority of posters, post comments withhout even reading the story.
[ Report Abuse ]
"53941289"
Posted by: Musky Hunter Location: Tuscobia on Oct 16, 2010 at 04:33 PM

Mary, you must have read a different story than I did. I read nothing that mentioned the lack of a hitch pin, or are you speculating? There a several scenarios that could have went wrong, EVEN with a hitch pin in place.
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"53938561"
Posted by: deb Location: Eau Claire on Oct 16, 2010 at 03:10 PM

what about safety chains? or a trailer break? i'm required to have those just to pull my unloaded boat down the street!
[ Report Abuse ]
"53923893"
Posted by: Linda Location: Chippewa on Oct 16, 2010 at 08:51 AM

I attended the Village of Terror and I thought it was very entertaining and well put together. Accidents happen, thankfully no one was hurt. Lesson learned..
[ Report Abuse ]
"53923232"
Posted by: CFMom Location: CF on Oct 16, 2010 at 08:38 AM

There was a teenager last night that fell through the flooring in one of the spook houses. Sounds like there are plenty of safety concerns there!
[ Report Abuse ]
"53917504"
Posted by: Ray Location: Rice Lake on Oct 16, 2010 at 05:51 AM

It "IS" called the Village of "Terror" isn't it? You're there to be "scared", so it sounds like everyone on the ride got what they wanted, a scare.
[ Report Abuse ]
"53901423"
Posted by: mary Location: eau claire on Oct 15, 2010 at 06:39 PM

Do they know nothing of a clip for a hitch pin???? Anyone worthy of pulling any load - much less a load of people - should know that as a VERY BASIC safety measure. For crying out loud!!
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