Nine Injured in Ride Malfunction at Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair

Nashville, TN, August 20, 2026 —

An incident at the Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon, Tennessee, left nine individuals injured, with four requiring hospitalization after a ride malfunctioned.

The ride, identified as the Wave Swinger, reportedly stopped unexpectedly and made contact with a fence during its descent. The exact cause of the malfunction has not been released.

Emergency services responded to the scene, and the injured parties received medical attention. Four of the nine individuals were subsequently hospitalized. The condition of those hospitalized was not immediately available.

Reithoffer Shows, the owner of the Wave Swinger ride, has confirmed the incident. The company stated that a state inspector is currently examining the ride. According to Reithoffer Shows, the inspector has not found any abnormalities with the ride thus far. Further details regarding the ongoing inspection and its findings were not provided.

The Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair is a significant annual event for the region. The incident has raised questions about ride safety protocols at public events. Officials have not yet released a timeline for when the ride will be cleared to operate again, or if any other rides will be subject to further inspection.

The names of the injured individuals have not been released. Information regarding the specific nature of their injuries was also not made public.

Story summarized from the original created by Chasity Maynard, Sydney Witte on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.

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