PENNSYLVANIA, US – A video from Hersheypark in Pennsylvania that will make your heart stop has gone viral. It shows a small boy strolling alone on the elevated track of an amusement park ride, which is about 20 feet off the ground. The video, which has been shared a lot on social media, has raised major concerns about the safety of guests and led to an official statement from the park’s management.
The event took place on the Capital BlueCross Monorail track, which is a beautiful ride that gives passengers an audio tour around the park. A person who was at the park captured the footage, which shows the toddler going down the tiny track without any obvious safety strap while a mob of shocked people below yells advice. The yells are a mix of fear and urgent calls for the youngster to get to safety.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts said in a statement that the youngster had lost touch with his parents and was reported missing. The toddler went into a “secured area” for the Monorail while park workers were looking for him. The company said that the ride was not open at the time and that the entry was “protected by a chained closure…and a barricaded turnstile.”
The most exciting portion of the film is when a brave bystander climbs up on a nearby building and then carefully onto the Monorail track. The man walks gently toward the child, who looks scared and puzzled. Then, with the help of another visitor, he carefully pulls the youngster into his arms and lowers him to safety.
The park said that the boy was not hurt in the event and that he was found and reunited with his family about 20 minutes after he was originally reported missing. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts said in a statement, “We are thankful for the attentiveness of our guests and the quick response of our team. We will continue to do everything we can to keep our guests safe at all times at Hersheypark.”
A lot of people have praised the heroic bystander in the viral video, and there has been a lot of talk about park safety and how to respond to emergencies. The park is looking into how the child got into a “secured” section, but this incident is a clear example of how dangerous amusement parks can be and how important it is for guests to be alert.