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Update

Three teens injured at Funland

September 14, 2021

Three teens were injured, one seriously, following an industrial accident at Funland in Rehoboth Beach Sept. 12.

First responders were dispatched at 7:45 p.m. to the amusement park on The Boardwalk for three injuries, said Glenn Marshall, spokesman for Sussex County EMS.

Two girls, 14 and 15, were taken to Beebe Healthcare in stable condition and later released. A boy, 16, was seriously injured and flown to Christiana Hospital, where he remains in serious condition with a head injury, said Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Keith Banks.

Following an initial investigation, police said the girls were injured by “environmental conditions created by the air tank failure.” The boy was injured by flying debris from the air tank, and also environmental conditions from the tank’s failure, police said. 

The tank was inside the park near the Superflip 360 ride, police said.

Michael Globetti, spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, said DNREC’s Boiler Safety program is involved and inspectors visited Funland because of the pressurized vessel.

“It’s a preliminary review of the incident, and the department cannot state anything else at this time,” he said.

Chris Darr, personnel manager and Funland family member, said the incident happened on the final night of the amusement park’s 2021 season, and the teens were not riding the Superflip 360.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with those guests, and their families, for a full recovery,” Darr said. “We are actively investigating this incident, and are working with local authorities and industry professionals. We cannot release any further information until we know more.” 

Banks also said the incident remains under investigation. 

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