Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Vic carnival death: operator gives support

Wittingslow Amusements, the operator of a ride that killed a six-year-old boy, says it is supporting the child's family.

WorkSafe inspectors investigate a carnival ride at Rye
Wittingslow Amusements says it's supporting the family of a boy killed on one of its Victorian rides (AAP)

The amusement company operating a ride that killed a six-year-old boy says it is supporting the child's grieving family.

Eugene Mahauariki was flung from the Cha Cha at a carnival in Rye, on the Mornington Peninsula, about 5.15pm on Easter Monday.

He died at the Royal Children's Hospital on Friday, his devastated family confirmed in a statement on Saturday.

One of Eugene's parents is employed by ride operator Wittingslow Amusements.

"Our hearts and sincerest thoughts remain firmly with his family at this sad time, as well as their friends and extended family here and in New Zealand," Wittingslow said in a statement.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"We grieve with them and we are doing everything we can to ensure everyone gets the support they need.

"The entire Wittingslow family and all of our staff are devastated by what occurred last week."

Eugene's parents Tammy and Stacey Mahauariki described their son as an energetic boy who loved to play with his siblings and dogs.

"Eugene was a happy, kind and caring boy and he loved nothing more than to dance," their statement read.

WorkSafe is investigating the incident, including the height requirements for riders, to determine if all safety procedures had been followed.

The safety watchdog had earlier said it appeared the ride was being used by carnival workers and their families after the carnival had closed.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world