ERIN, Tenn. — A carnival ride malfunctioned Wednesday evening in downtown Erin, leaving 20 people stranded more than 65 feet in the air for over three hours. The incident, which took place on the Star Tower ride, terrified the riders, some of whom captured their frightening experience on video.
Autumn Baggett, one of the stranded riders, shared her distress on social media, narrating a video from her precarious position in the air. “I’m trying not to freak out, but I’m stuck in the air right now,” Baggett said as she filmed the scene.
According to Baggett, the ride malfunctioned shortly after she, her sister Addison Mathis, and their younger sisters boarded the Star Tower. What began as a fun outing quickly turned into a nightmare as the ride stopped unexpectedly, leaving passengers dangling in mid-air for over an hour before any official communication was made.
“I was the one freaking out. I was crying, I was praying, I was just begging God to literally come down from heaven and save us because it was literally my worst nightmare,” Baggett recalled.
The City of Erin Fire Department received a call about the malfunction around 8:45 p.m. but was unable to reach the riders with their 75-foot ladder truck. The department’s equipment proved insufficient, prompting a call for backup from nearby Montgomery County Fire Service. A 100-foot tower truck was deployed and successfully rescued 19 riders and one carnival worker.
Baggett and Mathis were separated from their younger sisters during the ordeal, which added to their distress. “It was hard, especially because I didn’t want to get down first because I didn’t want to leave her up there,” Mathis said. “That was probably the moment that I was actually the most scared.”
Once all the riders were safely brought down, the group was overwhelmed with relief. “I just personally hope that everyone learns from this and that people just keep in the back of their mind that we never know what’s going to happen,” Baggett said. “Make every moment count, but don’t ride a big ride 85 feet in the air.”
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development inspected the ride just days before the incident, on March 10. The report indicated no “objectionable” items, although it did recommend the evaluation of the main lift cable. In response to the malfunction, a third-party inspection is being conducted to assess the ride’s safety. If the inspection is passed, the state will allow the ride’s operator, Casey’s Rides, Inc., to resume operations.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the incident. News 2 reached out to Casey’s Rides, Inc., the company that owns the ride, for a statement but has yet to receive a response.
The malfunction has raised concerns about the safety of carnival rides, especially in smaller communities where resources may be limited. However, the experience has also sparked reflection among those involved, with riders like Baggett encouraging others to cherish every moment and prioritize safety.
As the investigation continues, officials will determine the cause of the malfunction and take appropriate measures to prevent future incidents.
