Updated with statement from Casey’s Rides.
ERIN, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – 20 people were rescued from the top of a carnival ride in Erin Wednesday night by Montgomery County Fire Service.
At about 9 p.m., Montgomery County was contacted by Erin Fire Department, in nearby Houston County, about a ride that had malfunctioned during the weeklong Irish Day celebration, according to MCFS. The Erin Fire Department was notified at 8:42 p.m.
There were 19 passengers and one worker stranded over 65 feet in the air on the Star Tower ride. Erin Fire Department has a 75-foot ladder truck, but it was determined the MCFS 100-foot truck would be needed. Tower 17 was positioned next to the ride and used the bucket to rescue each passenger and the worker. No injuries were reported, and the scene was clear at 12:20 a.m.
The rides are from Casey’s Rides. On Thursday night, they sent a statement through a PR firm, expressing relief that there were no injuries.
“The ride was thoroughly inspected prior to operation per the manufacturer’s specifications. The manufacturer is sending a technician to assess the Star Tower and determine the cause of the malfunction,” the statement said. “Casey’s Rides has been safely operating amusement park rides at the Erin Irish Day carnival for many years, and this is the first issue ever reported. We sincerely thank the first responders for their swift response and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding.”
Montgomery County firefighters from Stations 15, 16 and 17 responded, along with Erin Fire, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Fire, and Houston County EMA and EMS.
Clarksville Now has reached out to Montgomery County Fire Service, carnival sponsor Houston County Recreation Club and the Erin Fire Department.
The festival continues this weekend, with rides ongoing Thursday night, and culminates in the Irish Day Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday.
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