Ride leaves man dangling at state fair

TULSA, Okla., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- The Oklahoma Labor Department is investigating a state fair ride that broke down and left a man dangling 25 feet above the ground for more than 30 minutes.

Steve Alan Stone, 48, sustained minor injuries and was treated by emergency medical workers at the fair after being rescued from a thrill ride called the Ejection Seat, The Tulsa World reported.

The ride's two-seat chair, suspended from two towers by bungee cords, propelled Stone into the air -- but then one of the bungee cords broke, leaving Stone dangling sideways in his chair, a sheriff's captain said.

A state amusement-ride inspector said the ride's four bungee cords were later replaced.

But state fair manager Amber Phillips said the ride would remain out of service.

She noted that even though the bungee cord malfunctioned, "the ride's rip cord -- a redundant safety device -- operated exactly as designed, averting any serious injuries."