Fatal amusement park accident trial opens

The trial over last year’s fatal amusement park accident in Halkidiki began Thursday at the Mixed Jury Court of Giannitsa. A 19-year-old died while riding the “Crazy Dance.” Four defendants – the park owner, his wife, the ride operator and a mechanical engineer who submitted safety certificates – are on trial.
The victim’s parents and 17-year-old brother testified on the first day. The brother, who was seated beside the 19-year-old, described how the ride’s speed increased sharply. “I said, ‘Giannis, I can’t take it anymore.’ I was holding on,” he testified, adding he heard a “crack” and felt the seat detach before realizing his brother had been thrown. He said his brother tried to grab his shirt and bag, but both tore.
The mother testified the ride “suddenly went so fast that I couldn’t distinguish the children’s faces.” The father spoke of “rotten amusement parks” nationwide.
The trial resumes December 8.