A 13-year-old boy’s attempt to steal a prize from a claw machine ended in disaster when he got trapped inside. The incident took place at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday afternoon.
According to amusement park officials, the boy climbed into the Cosmic XL Bonus Game, a claw machine manufactured by Elaut, located in the Thrill Zone. He was trying to steal a prize when he got stuck inside.
The park’s medical response team acted swiftly, and at 2:11 p.m. ET the minor was safely rescued from the machine. He was then treated and released from first aid before being released to his guardian.
“The safety and security of our guests and associates is Carowinds’ top priority,” said officials in a statement to FOX Television Stations.
This is not the first time a person has become trapped inside a claw machine. In 2017, a boy spent about 30 minutes stuck in a claw arcade game at a hotel in Maryland before being freed. Authorities said the boy had climbed through the game’s prize door and couldn’t get out.
In 2018, a 2-year-old boy crawled into a claw machine at a Pennsylvania laundromat while trying to retrieve a plush toy and was rescued by emergency workers. The authorities said he had entered through the prize chute, but was unable to open the door from the inside.
While it’s not uncommon for people to get trapped inside claw machines, it’s important to remember that attempting to steal a prize is not only illegal but can also be dangerous. In this case, the boy was fortunate to have been rescued quickly and without injury.
