Teens Injured on Texas Carnival Ride; State Says It’s Certified, Insured

A Texas official says a carnival ride that injured two teenagers in El Paso over the weekend was insured and in compliance with state law.

Texas Department of Insurance spokesman Jerry Hagins tells the El Paso Times the “Sidewinder” ride at the Saint Anthony’s Bazaar was insured and certified until April 2015.

Hagins says accidents are rare, but “do occur.”

Police say the swinging pendulum ride with two gondolas at each end was in motion Sunday night at the bazaar when a door came open and the teenagers fell to the ground. It’s unclear how far they fell.

The male and female 13-year-olds were hospitalized. Police say their injuries are not life threatening.

Police said that no charges have been filed and the investigation continues.