By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO
Eleven individuals, most of them minors, were injured on Christmas Eve after a Viking amusement ride suddenly collapsed inside the San Jacinto Town Plaza in Barangay San Guillermo, San Jacinto, Pangasinan, at around 8:30 p.m.
The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) reported that the injured included two adults—a 37-year-old male mechanic and a 19-year-old female—both residents of San Jacinto, Pangasinan. The rest of the victims were minors, consisting of two females and seven males.
Authorities reported that the Viking ride broke in the middle, causing minor injuries to all passengers. They were immediately rushed to Manaoag Community Hospital for medical treatment.
The management of the amusement park has informed the parents and guardians of the affected minors.
Meanwhile, the San Jacinto police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Operations of the Viking ride have been suspended pending inspection.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of SanJacinto is coordinating with concerned agencies to strengthen safety measures and prevent similar incidents, especially during the holiday season.
Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any safety concerns to authorities to safeguard community celebrations.
