Toddler remains in critical condition after falling off ride

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A 12-month-old boy remains in critical condition, after he fell and struck his head while riding an electric train at the mall.

According to the boy's family, he is doing well and is recovering at Miami Children's Hospital. The electric train ride at Southland Mall was shutdown, as the Florida Department of Agriculture inspected it and conducted interviews into the incident, which occurred Tuesday night, at around 8 p.m.

The Department of Agriculture inspected the ride Wednesday morning and found no problems with it. "We sent an inspector out this morning and ran the ride through its paces to determine if there were any mechanical or structural problems. It was the conclusion of our inspectors, that mechanically and structurally, the train is in compliance with state standards. We could find no deficiencies. We could find no problems as such with the actual operation of the train. Under those circumstances, we released the train to the owner," Terry McElroy said.

Paramedics arrived at the mall Tuesday night to find the mother hysterical with the toddler in her arms. They performed CPR on the child, who was unconscious and unresponsive when they arrived. They then airlifted the child to Miami Children's Hospital.

Southland Mall released the following statement on Wednesday: "Our most sincere thoughts and heartfelt prayers are extended to the child and his family during this trying time. This accident is currently being investigated by the Miami-Dade Police Department; Southland Mall has given and will continue to provide its full cooperation in this matter. The operation of the children's train has been suspended, allowing for further safety study."

Miami-Dade Police are continuing to investigate how the boy wound with severe injuries from the ride. "At this time the cause of why he fell, whether he was securely strapped inside this apparatus is unknown," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lieutenant Arnold Piedrahita, who responded to the scene on Tuesday night.

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