EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Four people were hurt when a decorative helicopter crashed down inside a New Jersey megamall.
The helicopter had been hanging from the ceiling of the DreamWorks Water Park, inside the American Dream Mall. The decoration suddenly dropped at 3 p.m. on Sunday, landing in a pool below, WNBC reported.
The helicopter landed upside down, next to the end of a waterslide, according to WCBS.
Witnesses recorded videos and posted them to social media, showing people running and screaming as lifeguards blow their whistles.
American dream waterpark (indoor) mall..moments after decor plane falls. No injuries, mad panic. We’re safe. #americandream #indoorwaterpark pic.twitter.com/siDKABP7Tn
— Miss Markowitz (@Kiimera) February 19, 2023
“We heard, bang. I thought, technically, it was a bomb,” Myra Silva told WCBS.
Four people were hurt, with one being taken to a local hospital, WNBC reported. The other three were treated at the scene and released. All of the injuries were described as “non-life-threatening” by a mall spokesperson to the station.
Scary time at Dreamworks water park at American Dream Mall! A large helicopter display fell on to a kiddy pool and slide area! Chaos soon after. The sound was scary then the screaming from parents and kids. We were told to evacuate soon after. Hope no one was hurt. If so miracle! pic.twitter.com/m3DXqWL9vr
— Angel Sanchez (@Sangelitoz) February 19, 2023
“When it hit the ground everyone could hear it,” Johnny Vas, who was visiting the water park with his family and friends, told WCBS. “Shocked, frightened because I didn’t know where my family was. So I didn’t know if they got hurt — if anyone else got hurt.”
In a statement to WABC, American Dream Mall said it would conduct an investigation to “ensure the park meets all safety regulations as required.”
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