Ahmad Sadiq Nooristani remembers the speed and force of a ride he was on with his daughter as it slammed into fencing at the Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair on Aug. 19 in Lebanon.
Nooristani and his 10-year-old daughter Safa Noorestani (they spell the last names differently) were among the four people sent to a hospital and nine people who received medical treatment because the Wave Swinger ride malfunctioned
, according to officials.“It didn’t slow down at the end,” Ahmad Sadiq Nooristani said. “It was so fast.”
Ahmad Sadiq Nooristani was discharged from the hospital with crutches and bruising on his left leg. As an Uber driver, he said he is concerned about how low long the leg injury and back pain may keep him from driving.
Safa also had
leg injuries that could limit her participation in soccer and basketball.
His wife Nazima Noorestani and son Subhan Norestani did not go on the ride, but were filming and watching as they noticed the malfunction.
“My mind was totally blank,” Nazima Noorestani said. “I ran to them. I was like what happened? I’m so happy that at least they are alive. That is the biggest thing. Those operating the rides should be very experienced. They have to take care of the safety on these kinds of rides.”
All four people taken to the hospital after the ride malfunction were released, Wilson County Promotions President Randall Clemons said on Aug. 20.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Amusement Device Unit is overseeing the regulatory inspection process following the malfunction of the Wave Swinger.
The state did issue a cease-and-desist order for the Wave Swinger. The ride cannot resume operation until the state receives and reviews the required inspection report and determines that the device meets the requirements to operate.
A sign at the Wave Swinger area indicated the ride was temporarily closed.
Emergency and medical personnel response at the fairgrounds were prompt, Nazima Noorestani said. The ride malfunction was reported just before 10 p.m., according to the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency.
The fair continues at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center through Aug. 22.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Family describes TN State Fair ride malfunction: 'It was so fast'
