IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are investigating the cause of an accident that killed a boy on a popular boat ride at an Iowa amusement park — the second deadly incident on the ride in five years.
The accident happened Saturday night on the Raging River at Adventureland Park in Altoona, Iowa, when a boat carrying six people flipped over.
Michael Jaramillo, 11, died Sunday from his injuries, and another minor remains hospitalized in critical condition, the Altoona Police Department said Monday. Two other riders suffered minor injuries.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jaramillo family as they navigate the heartbreaking loss of their child,” said police spokeswoman Alyssa Wilson, adding that investigators weren’t sure where the family resides.
The ride uses a conveyor belt to move rafts through faux river rapids. After the boat overturned, emergency responders and witnesses helped to free the riders, and four were taken to a hospital for treatment, Wilson said. Four off-duty Altoona officers and fire medics who were working at the park “quickly responded,” she said.
Detectives are working with Adventureland and state inspectors “to understand this tragic accident,” she said.
Adventureland, which is privately owned, said the ride has been closed and that the company is cooperating with investigators. Attorney Guy Cook, who represents Adventureland in personal injury cases and is assisting with the park’s response, said the inquiry would be comprehensive.
