Ride malfunction at Deep South Fair spooks fairgoers, injures man

THOMAS COUNTY, Ga (WCTV) - An incident at the Deep South Fair in Thomas County sparked a bit of panic among fairgoers Saturday afternoon.

According to a spokesperson from the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, a ride malfunctioned, forcing riders to be stuck for a short period of time.

One of the people on the ride reportedly had a panic attack, prompting EMS to respond. All attendants were safely removed from the ride, says TCSO.

TSCO initially reported that no one was injured. However, a volunteer firefighter on the scene told WCTV that one rider received minor injuries.

Thomasville Exchange Club President Jeff McCutchen confirmed the firefighter’s information and reported that one man experienced minor bruising, but no blood loss or broken bones. The injured man was checked out by EMTs, and then left on his own accord in good spirits, according to McCutchen.

Witness video of the incident shows a number of people running towards the ride. The person recording the video can be heard shouting, “the ride fell down, and it was all the way up in the air and it just fell down.”

Witnesses told WCTV that a “hydraulic malfunction” caused the ride to tip over.

The ride was not restarted after the incident, as the machinery had to undergo an inspection. The inspection was conducted Saturday night, according to McCutchen.

WCTV reached out to the Deep South Fair for further comment, but has not yet heard back.