NC Labor Department Issues Serious Violation After Rider Injured On Carnival Ride

CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. — A carnival company operating at Carolina Beach has been fined $37,500 by the North Carolina Department of Labor after a rider was injured when a safety restraint came loose on an amusement ride.

Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced the penalties following an investigation into an incident involving the Kamikaze ride, also known as “Surf’s Up,” at Carolina Beach.

According to the Department of Labor, a patron was riding the attraction when a lap restraint became unsecured while the ride was in operation. The rider sustained injuries and later sought medical evaluation.

State inspectors determined the most likely cause of the incident was operator error rather than a mechanical malfunction.

Investigators found no defects with the ride during their inspection. However, a review of video footage recorded before and during the incident indicated the ride operator failed to verify that all safety restraints were properly secured before closing the ride’s cage and beginning operation.

The North Carolina Department of Labor said it was notified of the incident by the Carolina Beach Police Department on June 10, 2026. Officials also determined that Hildebrand Amusements failed to report the incident to the state as required by law.

As a result of the investigation, the Department assessed a $25,000 penalty for operating an unsafe amusement device and an additional $12,500 penalty for continuing operation after the occurrence without approval from the labor commissioner.

The combined penalties total $37,500.

“North Carolinians should be able to enjoy amusement rides with confidence that operators are following required safety procedures,” Commissioner Farley said. “When those procedures are not followed, the consequences can be serious. Our department will continue to enforce the law and hold operators accountable for maintaining safe operations.”

The Department of Labor oversees the inspection and regulation of amusement rides operating throughout North Carolina and has authority to investigate ride-related incidents and enforce state safety requirements.