Shocking moment slingshot ride's cable SNAPPED just seconds before thrillseekers were to be catapulted into the air

  • The boy, 13, and female family friend had been strapped into seats
  • But just before take-off a large cord broke - almost whipping the boy's feet
  • Shocked onlookers are heard gasping as operators rush to release the duo from the ride at a theme park in Wisconsin

This is the dramatic moment a slingshot ride's cord snapped seconds before two thrillseekers were to be catapulted into the air.

Footage shows 13-year-old Trevor Larson and family friend Carrie Sueker being strapped into place on The Catapult at Mt Olympus Theme Park & Water Park in Wisconsin Dells.

As they remove their shoes and get into their seats, they joke with onlookers, including a man who shouts: 'I'll pray for you. The ropes are looking a little frayed.' 

But one of the bungee cords then snaps and is whipped towards the ground - narrowly missing the boy. 

13-year-old Trevor Larson and family friend Carrie Sueker are strapped in place by workers in this video still

13-year-old Trevor Larson and family friend Carrie Sueker are strapped in place by workers in this video still

The pair hold on while preparing for take-off as the two large bungee cords either side of them tighten

The pair hold on while preparing for take-off as the two large bungee cords either side of them tighten

The spectators included Trevor's father, Dru, who was recording the pair when the cable snapped. 

Trevor said there was a 'four-inch deep hole' after the cable hit the concrete, telling WISN: 'It was extremely loud. I didn't really know what was happening. It was a split second. That's how fast it came down.'

Carrie added: 'We could tell from the expressions on our friends’ faces, friends’ and families’ faces that something had gone terribly wrong.'

The rope snapped just seconds before the operator was due to hit a button to send the duo into the air. No one was hurt in the incident.

Moments before the ride is to be activated one of the large bungee cords snap, but thankfully no one is injured

Moments before the ride is to be activated one of the large bungee cords snap, but thankfully no one is injured

The video concludes with the bemused ride operators stepping in to assist the pair still sat in the metal cage

The video concludes with the bemused ride operators stepping in to assist the pair still sat in the metal cage

The Mt Olympus Theme Park & Water Park has closed the ride while an investigation takes place.

Owner Nick Laskaris told WISN this type of incident has never happened before at the theme park.

He added: 'It's unfortunate. Mechanical failures unfortunately do happen.'

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