After a "swing ride" at a Connecticut carnival lost power on Sunday, 18 people -- mostly children -- were injured after falling to the ground, NBC reported.
Police said twelve children and one adult were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries from the Oyster Festival in Norwalk, while five others declined treatment.
Once the ride lost power, children started falling out of the ride and hit the ground. It is unclear how high off the ground they were before their fall, and it remained in swing even after the breakdown occurred.
Victims were taken to Norwalk, Stamford, and Bridgeport area hospitals and all but one were released by Sunday evening.
Local residents spoke about witnessing the horrifying event.
"We didn't know what happened," said Sam Razzaia. "It was so frightening to see kids screaming, flying off the ride."
Children suffered from broken bones and others were given neck braces.
"People were running to get their children off the ride and I got a little boy off the swing," said April Potasz. "He had a deep contusion on his leg and his bone was hanging out."
The Norwalk Police Department posted a Facebook statement on Sunday evening.
"We are waiting for the state fire marshal's office to respond to conduct the investigation, as they inspect and oversee the companies that provide these services...Officers have been assigned to assist families as needed," the statement read.
Norwalk Seaport Association, who organizes the carnival, emphasized their full cooperation and
"Our first and only concern is for the well-being of those involved and their families," the association said.
After the accident, other rides at the carnival closed and reopened later in the day after being inspected.
According to Reuters, the three-day Oyster Festival has been going on for 36 years and entertains 50,000 to 60,000 people annually.
