One Minute the Wave Pool Was Calm. Then, Screams of Terror

The worst that most people usually suffer after a long day at the water park is a bit of sunburn and exhaustion—not bloody knees and broken ribs. But as Fox News reports, government officials say those more serious injuries took place this week after malfunctioning equipment in a wave pool in Longjing, China, created a literal tsunami, injuring dozens. Video shows the giant wave suddenly course through the pool at Shuiyun Water Park, sweeping people out of the water and onto the pavement to screams of terror. Via the Washington Post, the AP reports at least 44 were hurt, although a park spokesman says the actual number of those injured was 10, per Fox.

The reported reason for the rogue wave: a glitch in the gear. "According to the initial stages of the investigation, the incident was caused by a power cut that damaged electronic equipment in the tsunami pool control room, which led to the waves in the tsunami pool becoming too big and injuring people," a statement from Longjing city officials noted, per the South China Morning Post. Initial reports had apparently accused the wave machine's operator of being drunk. The park was shut down so the attraction could undergo repairs, and for an investigation, though a park spokesman says everything is set to reopen Friday. (More amusement parks stories.)