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.

"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.


Share
2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

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

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world