Carnival Workers Hurt When Coaster Hits Power Line

Two carnival workers have been hurt, one seriously, when a roller coaster being erected for a Southern California festival touched a power line.

Ventura County fire Capt. Ron Oatman said the North American Amusements employees were setting up a roller coaster for the five-day Conejo Valley Days at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks, Calif., when the men were shocked.

The Ventura County Star said witnesses told investigators there was a popping sound and arcing, then the man either jumped or fell from the coaster. Oatman said he’s hospitalized with severe burns where electricity entered and exited his body.

A second worker who said he was also shocked was examined at a hospital and released.

The state Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the incident.