The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

July 6, 2012

Ride operator in serious condition with head, neck injuries

Accident occurred at North Mankato Fun Days carnival

The Free Press

NORTH MANKATO — A carnival ride operator at North Mankato Fun Days was still in the hospital as of Friday afternoon, listed in serious condition, according to Mayo Clinic Health System.

Ride operator Todd LaPointe, 48, of Rockford was taken by ambulance to the Mankato hospital Thursday night after being struck in the head by a ride less than an hour after the annual four-day celebration got under way.

LaPointe had reached down for a towel, not realizing how close he was to the 1001 Nachts ride, when the accident occurred at about 6:53 p.m., said North Mankato police officer Steve Hlavac. LaPointe suffered head and neck injuries but he was conscious and alert when first responders arrived.

Patrons on the ride, which consists of a gondola that swings up and down until eventually traveling 360 degrees, weren't endangered by the injury to LaPointe, Hlavac said

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