6 people injured after ride tips over at Independence Day Carnival in Washington

A malfunctioning carnival ride left six people injured during a Fourth of July celebration at the Independence Day Carnival in Oak Harbor, Washington, officials said.

The carnival closed Wednesday night after a ride tipped over, resulting in "minor injuries" for riders, according to a statement by the City of Oak Harbor. Firefighters and paramedics treated all injured parties on-site before the carnival was promptly closed.

Photos shared on social media show the spinning swing attraction lying on its side on the grass. Comments left beneath posts on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, expressed concern for residents, specifically children, who could have been seriously injured in such a carnival mishap.

"This happened on a fairly tame ride," said a Facebook comment accompanied by one such picture. "Imagine if the Zipper were to crap out like this," referring to a more intense amusement ride that is known for spinning and turning upside down.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors," said Police Chief Tony Slowik in a statement. “Our priority is to thoroughly investigate this incident and take all necessary measures to maintain the highest safety standards."

Watch:28 people left dangling, stuck upside down on ride at Oaks Amusement Park

Carnival rides closed down after swing attraction tipped over

 Alex Bennett, a carnival-goer who snapped photos of the ride after the incident, told Storyful that her son was on the chair swing ride when it tipped.

“That was my priority to get him out and then I ran back to help a woman who had hurt her leg/knee while my husband was getting another person who was stuck in a seat unstuck,” Bennett told Storyful, adding she was thankful for the outcome as "it could have been way worse.”

By Thursday morning, the City of Oak Harbor's Facebook page announced that all mechanical carnival rides would be closed for the rest of the holiday weekend, though carnival games and non-mechanical rides would still be open. Events like the Independence Day parade, vendor booths, entertainment, beer garden, and the Whidbey Wags Pet Parade are moving forward as planned, said the city

"Ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority," Mayor Ronnie Wright said in a statement. "After careful deliberation and consultation with law enforcement and city officials, it became that this was the best course of action to protect our community."

The carnival vendors, Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and the city are working on an investigation to ensure the safety of future attractions. The local chamber of commerce, which plans the carnival, is expected to make a separate statement updating the public on the status of the investigation in the coming days.