Tragedy in Hato Mayor: Minor dies after falling from mechanical ride
What was supposed to be a day of celebration in the municipality of Hato Mayor del Rey turned into a tragedy that has shocked the entire Dominican Republic. The death of an 11-year-old girl, after falling from a mechanical ride, has brought to the table the urgent need to review safety and oversight protocols at traveling fairs in the country.
The incident occurred on the night of September 18th, when three minors were enjoying a ride popularly known as “the star.” During the operation of the attraction, one of the baskets unexpectedly detached, causing the girls to fall into the void from a considerable height.
11-year-old girl Lianji Ramírez Reyes lost her life after a nine-day battle in intensive care, where she underwent multiple surgical interventions due to a cerebral hemorrhage and brain dysfunction.
The debate on the lack of regulation
This event has exposed the weaknesses in the supervision of recreational equipment that travels through various municipalities. The analysis of the situation indicates that there is a chain of shared responsibility among several institutions that must guarantee public safety:
- Ministry of Interior and Police: Responsible for granting licenses and requiring insurance policies, risk signage, and emergency equipment.
- City Councils: In charge of the authorization and use of the public space where the fairs are installed.
- Fire Departments: Entities that must perform the technical assessment on-site before any attraction begins operation.
Ongoing judicial process
Following the minor’s death, the case has escalated to a legal level. Businessman Simón María Esteves Ramos, owner of the firm “Estevez Park,” is currently detained and awaiting coercive measures. The legal classification of the case has been modified, shifting from an accident involving injuries to an investigation for culpable homicide, based on alleged negligence and failure to observe safety regulations.
In addition to criminal liability, legal experts point out that the Hato Mayor City Hall could face civil lawsuits, under the precepts of Law 176-07 on Municipalities, if it is proven that they authorized the operation of the fair without rigorously verifying the technical standards required by law.
In light of the mourning that has gripped the community, the local mayor’s office and the organizing committee opted for the definitive suspension of all festive activities, setting a precedent regarding the importance of prioritizing human life over any recreational celebration.
