Oregon Amusement Park Accident Victims to Receive $380,000 Each

Two teenage girls will receive $380,000 each in compensation following a harrowing amusement park accident in Oregon. The incident occurred in June 2024 at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, where 28 passengers, including the two girls, were left suspended upside down for approximately 25 minutes when a ride malfunctioned.

The teenagers, identified as 16-year-old Chitaly Gomez-Salais and 16-year-old Ibby Yanota, were 13 and 14 years old at the time of the accident. A jury awarded them $275,000 each, totaling $550,000 for the pair. Seven other passengers involved in the incident reached separate settlements with the amusement park and the ride manufacturer.

During the trial, Yanota described experiencing extreme fear, worrying that her safety harness might fail while she was suspended 15 meters above the ground. Their attorney, Michael Fuller, stated that both girls suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Yanota, a martial arts athlete, has found it difficult to compete following the accident's lingering effects.

The exact cause of the ride's malfunction remains under investigation. Oaks Amusement Park issued a statement expressing gratitude that all passengers were safely brought down and affirmed their commitment to safety, vowing to continue cooperating with the ride manufacturer and Oregon state authorities.

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While hanging in the air, I felt extreme fear, worrying that the safety belt would come undone.