Seven hurt in Bacolod carnival horror train mishap

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Seven individuals, including three minors, were injured after a horror train ride at a carnival reportedly overturned behind the Bacolod City Government Center around midnight Monday.

Police Major Joeil Reclamado, chief of Police Station 4, said the victims reported the ride was going too fast and lost balance while the owner claimed the train derailed due to speed, adding that authorities are gathering both sides to determine what happened.

Reclamado said the victims sustained minor injuries, were taken to a hospital, and that both parties have reached a settlement.

Following the incident, Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered an immediate inspection of all carnival facilities operating in the city for the MassKara Festival to ensure public safety.

The inspection was led by the City Engineer’s Office Mechanical Division, headed by Officer in Charge Engineer Loben Ceballos, with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducting a comprehensive assessment of the carnival site.

“Safety is our utmost concern, which is why we have asked the CEO to inspect all carnivals operating during the celebration,” Gasataya said in a statement.

The mayor summoned the carnival owner and operator to address the incident and ensure proper assistance to the victims.

Reclamado said the carnival management covered the medical expenses of those injured.

Gasataya said the city government will await the inspection results and recommendations from the City Engineer’s Office and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office before making a final determination on the carnival’s operation.