OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) -- A family is seeking answers tonight after a carnival ride tore off their 11-year-old daughters scalp.
“I can't believe the place is still open, I can't believe it,” said Billie Bankus, a family friend.
Bankus stood outside the Cinco de Mayo festival in South Omaha, with a poster, warning others of the dangers that lie behind her at the carnival.
“I mean it removed her scalp,” Bankus said.
Saturday afternoon 11-year-old Elizabeth Gilreath was on the King's Crown carnival ride when witnesses say her hair got caught on a crown point, ripping her hair and skin off her head.
She was taken to Nebraska Medicine where relatives say she is about to undergo her third surgery since the accident.
They say they're livid that the carnival is still running, despite the safety hazards.
Cinco de Mayo festival coordinator Marcos Mora said the carnival rides are run by Thomas D. Thomas, they've briefed each other on safety protocol and have determined the other rides are safe.
“One of the first things of course is safety,” said Cinco de Mayo event coordinator Marcos Mora, “they actually cannot operate until they are inspected to our knowledge, that's what's supposed to happen, and that's what's been done.”
“That ride was supposed to be safe when she got on it, when all the kids got on it,” Bankus said, “it doesn't matter if the ride is safe, if the people aren't paying attention.”
Thomas D. Thomas spokesperson Katie Weddleton declined to comment when approached today.
Police are still looking into what happened, and have even reviewed security footage from a nearby business.
The family of Elizabeth Gilreath is speaking to media at 6:30 tonight. Tune into KMTV Action 3 News at 10 to hear more about this story.
