A Sonoma-Marin Fair employee had his leg severed on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 according to a Mercury News Report.  The accident occurred when the unidentified employee was working.  He was standing on the tracks of a roller coaster when he was struck and he leg was severed on impact.  As of Thursday the victim was listed in stable condition according to reports.

Cal/OSHA authorities and fair officials are now trying to determine how or why the injurious workplace accident occurred.

According to reports the worker is an East Bay resident in his mid-twenties.  The accident occurred at approximately 2:20 pm. when the employee was standing on the tracks of the “Wacky Worm” roller coaster.  The roller coaster slammed into the employee.  It is unknown why the employee was standing on the tracks.  The tracks are elevated about 5 feet above the ground.  EMS immediately responded to the scene and rushed the injured worker to Santa Rosa Hospital for treatment and surgery.   Reports indicate he was released from the operating room at 9:30 p.m Wednesday.

Harry Mason, CEO of Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun said, ” No one can figure it out.  He was not supposed to be in that restricted area.  We’re hoping for a speedy recovery.”  He also stated that he wished to speak with the injured worker as soon as possible, in an attempt to figure out why the incident might have occurred. The victim was apparently employed as a ticket collector on another ride at the Petaluma fair.  Cal/OSHA is expected to conduct a formal probe into the on-the-job mishap.