A TEENAGER was killed and another critically injured after they fell from a high-speed ride at an amusement park on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred in the popular resort town of Cap d’Agde on France's southern coast after suspected strong winds rocked the ride at Luna Park and the two victims fell 180ft.
Local prosecutor Raphael Balland said: "Two people were victims of an accident while using the Adrenaline attraction.
"An adolescent aged 17 died of his injuries and a young woman of 19 was taken to hospital at Montpellier as an absolute emergency (case)."
Balland said that the teenagers struck obstacles as they plunged from the cable swing ride, which is believed to reach speeds of 70mph.
The 17-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 19-year-old woman is in critical condition in hospital after suffering multiple traumas.
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The park closed on Sunday morning following the accident.
An investigation has been opened and four people, including the theme park manager, were taken into custody to be questioned by police.
They have since been released as the investigation continues.
Cap d'Adge mayor Gilles d'Ettore said that Saturday night had been very windy, which was "very rare for Agde".
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He indicated that the strong gusts could have allegedly caused the accident.
Prosecutors will be seeking to determine whether the rides should have been operating during the alleged high winds and whether there was a mechanical failure.
The "Adrenaline" attraction involves passengers strapping into harnesses and being winched 180ft into the air.
They are then released to swing on the cable at high-speeds.
Witnesses told local media sources that the cable had deviated from its usual path, which led to the riders allegedly hitting the metal pylon that holds the attraction up and then being ejected from their harnesses.
The investigation is ongoing.
Local news outlet, Midi Libre, reported that a man received stitches in hospital after grazing his head on the ground after riding on "Adrenaline" in 2019.
In 2015 at the same park, a young couple were thrown from a slingshot ride when it snapped mid-air.
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They were left hanging on the ride for over an hour as firefighters worked to rescue them.
The woman reportedly suffered a broken leg, while her partner walked away only bruised.
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