1 hour ago
2
A video captured people dangling in the air for several minutes during an amusement ride malfunction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Texas.
Attendee Akil Strawder told Storyful that he and his cousins were left suspended on the ride while his wife recorded the footage “in astonishment.”
“The Tango ride experienced a brief stop on March 21 while guests were on board due to a generator issue. The delay lasted approximately 2–3 minutes and was quickly resolved, allowing the ride to safely complete its cycle.
“No injuries were reported and the ride continued operating without further issues for the remainder of the Rodeo,” a spokesperson for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
“The safety of our guests at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is our top priority. Our longtime midway partner, Ray Cammack Shows, has been an industry leader since 1994 with a strong safety record.
“Each ride is permitted by the Texas Department of Insurance and inspected by third-party experts, including Coulter & Associates, prior to opening and through random checks during the event. In addition, Ray Cammack Shows conducts rigorous pre-event and daily inspections, led by trained supervisors certified through national safety organizations,” the spokesperson added.
Netherlands-based KMG Rides, which sells the Tango ride shown in the video, describes it on its website as a “23-meter-high ride that rotates around 3 different axes during the ride.”
“The open gondolas provide passengers with a unique ‘flying’ experience,” it adds. “There are 3 gondolas, each accommodating 8 people, which rotate freely during the ride.”
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo began in 1932 as the Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition, created by local business people to promote the region’s cattle industry.
The first event featured livestock exhibitions and a small rodeo. After a pause during World War II, the show expanded, adding entertainment and educational programs to broaden its appeal.
The show is scheduled to return in 2027; it typically occurs over 20 days between late February and mid-March at NRG Stadium, featuring concerts, livestock shows and carnival activities.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo says on its website that its mission is to promote “agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community.”
“Since the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo began, more than $660 million has been committed to the youth of Texas and education. Each year, more than 800 scholarships are awarded to Texas students by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” it added. “As one of the largest scholarship providers in the US, the Rodeo has presented more than 22,000 scholarships valued at $660 million since 1932.”
English (US)