A 19-year-old university student, who was working part-time at the Shanghai Pudong World Carnival, was seriously wounded when he was hit by a ride on Sunday and is now under close observation at the Shanghai East Hospital.

"He suffered from serious contusion on the kidney and liver. So far, we can't tell whether he has got through the critical period," said Xiang Peijun, a hospital spokes-woman. "An ultrasonic test found no brain injuries."

Chen Yijia, a freshman of Shanghai Teachers University, was hit by a fast-running "Wild Mouse" game ride at around 5 pm as he tried to pick up a wig lying on the ground between two tracks.

"He did it at the request of a middle-aged tourist who lost her wig and insisted on having it back immediately," said Wang Wei, a spokeswoman for the carnival organizer. "But our rules state that nobody can enter the track except the manager, who can only do it when the machine stops."

In fact, the game manager forbade Chen to pick the wig up but he still jumped on to the track, immediately falling victim to the accident.

"Nobody knows why he insisted on doing it," suggested Wang. "But witnesses said the tourist kept abusing and pushing the staff to pick up the wig. That might have led Chen to take such drastic action."

Wang said it was now impossible to trace the alleged tourist.

The carnival organizer insisted it was not directly responsible for the accident but will pay part of Chen's medical expenses. "We will try to find the best possible solution for the unfortunate student," Wang concluded.

The carnival, which ended on Sunday, attracted 2.13 million visitors during its 30-day summer run and its just-concluded 45-day stay.

(eastday.com October 28, 2003)