The Antioch Illinois carnival ride accident has shocked the local community. A 10-year-old boy was thrown from the Moby Dick ride at the Taste of Summer Festival.
The incident has raised serious questions about carnival ride safety regulations across Illinois.
What Happened at the Antioch Carnival Ride Accident
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon around 2:40 p.m. Huntley Daniels was enjoying the Moby Dick carnival ride when something went wrong. Eyewitnesses reported his safety harness was coming loose during the ride’s operation.
Another child on the same ride described the frightening scene. He said the harnesses were lifting during the ride’s rotation. On approximately the third rotation, Huntley was ejected from the ride completely.
The 10-year-old victim landed outside the entrance gate of the ride. Antioch Police and Fire Department personnel responded immediately to the carnival ride accident. They found Huntley with serious injuries requiring urgent medical attention.
Medical Response and Victim’s Condition
Emergency services airlifted Huntley to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. His condition was initially critical following the Antioch carnival ride accident. Doctors later transferred him to the University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital.
The injuries from the carnival ride safety failure were extensive. Huntley suffered broken ribs, a broken femur, a broken arm, and a cracked skull. He also endured a broken jaw and had teeth pushed into his gums.
By Monday evening, his condition had stabilized somewhat. His grandmother told reporters that Huntley was awake but still facing serious medical challenges. The road to recovery will likely be lengthy for the young victim.
Family Response and Community Support
Huntley’s grandmother, Dawne Pohlman, shared the family’s shock. “You never think it would happen to you,” she told reporters. “It’s supposed to be fun, but then it happens.”
The Antioch community has rallied around the family. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Huntley’s uncle raised over $12,000 for medical expenses. This financial support will help with the mounting hospital bills.
Pohlman described Huntley as a “very tough, very strong kid.” She also mentioned that he loves carnivals and attended the Taste of Antioch festival every year. The family is struggling emotionally with this unexpected tragedy.
Previous Safety Concerns and Investigation
Troublingly, this wasn’t the first safety issue reported with this ride. Ronald Hipolito, another parent, shared a concerning experience from days earlier. His son had felt unsecured on the same ride during a previous festival day.
“My wife had to stop the ride because my son felt like he was going to fly out,” Hipolito explained. This suggests the carnival harness failure might have been an ongoing problem rather than an isolated incident.
This marks the second investigation involving Taste of Antioch in two years. Another child was injured, though less severely, at last year’s event. The same company, All Around Amusements Inc., operated the rides at both events.
Official Response and Regulatory Action
Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner took immediate action following the incident. He ordered all carnival rides at the festival shut down. This allowed officials to review the safety of each attraction while the festival continued.
Multiple agencies have launched investigations into the carnival ride accident. These include the Illinois Department of Labor, Antioch Police, Antioch Fire Department, Illinois State Police, and Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Police Chief Geoff Guttschow provided updates on the investigation’s progress. The Illinois Department of Labor has issued a “stop order” for the Moby Dick ride. This prevents its operation at any other events until a complete inspection.
All Around Amusements Inc. Under Scrutiny
The company operating the rides, All Around Amusements Inc., faces intense scrutiny. They provide carnival rides for multiple Chicago-area festivals throughout the summer season. Their equipment will be thoroughly examined following the incident.
Despite multiple attempts by news organizations, the company hasn’t responded to requests for comment. This silence raises additional concerns about their commitment to public safety and transparency.
The company is scheduled to provide rides for upcoming events, including Fiesta del Sol in Pilsen. This festival begins just days after the Antioch incident, raising questions about equipment safety at future events.
Advice for Parents on Carnival Ride Safety
Parents should remain vigilant about carnival ride safety. Always watch operators to ensure they check each rider’s restraints properly. Look for signs of wear, damage, or unusual operation before allowing children on rides.
Chief Guttschow emphasized the importance of speaking up. “If you see unsafe behaviors or feel the ride isn’t following safety practices, say something,” he advised. This simple action could prevent future injuries.
Pay attention if your child feels unsecured on a ride. The Antioch carnival ride accident shows that these concerns should never be dismissed. Stop the ride immediately if safety is questionable.
Conclusion
The Antioch Illinois carnival ride accident serves as a sobering reminder about amusement ride safety. As investigations continue, the focus remains on Huntley’s recovery and preventing future incidents.
This tragedy has united the community in support of the family while raising crucial awareness about carnival safety standards.
Parents now approach carnival rides with heightened caution, demanding stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
The incident may lead to meaningful changes in how carnival rides are inspected and operated throughout Illinois. Meanwhile, Huntley’s journey to recovery symbolizes hope amid this unfortunate event that has forever changed one family’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Antioch carnival ride accident occur?
The accident happened on Sunday afternoon around 2:40 p.m. at the 2025 Taste of Summer Festival.
What injuries did Huntley Daniels sustain?
He suffered broken ribs, a broken femur and arm, a cracked skull, a broken jaw, and dental injuries.
Has the Moby Dick ride been shut down?
Yes, the Illinois Department of Labor issued a stop order preventing its operation until a complete inspection.
Were there previous safety concerns with this ride?
Yes, another parent reported their child feeling unsecured on the same ride days before the accident.
How is the victim doing now?
As of late March 2025, Huntley is awake and stable but still recovering from serious injuries.
