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The accidents that occur in sporting events aren’t limited to the players engaged in the field. A lot of the time, the damage spills to the stands where the crowds gather to enjoy a match. In a similar tragic event, a young girl suffered a grave injury due to a technical problem. The five-year-old girl was sitting in the first row to enjoy quality horse racing. However, the starting gate of the venue malfunctioned and hit the girl. This has sent the entire equestrian community into shock.

Harper Finn, the young girl who got hit, was spectating an equestrian event in South Central Illinois. The incident occurred at the Country Fair’s grandstand. A technical error caused the starting gate to malfunction, which landed straight on Harper. The young girl is currently in a very critical condition because of the devastating injury.

Immediate rescue of the girl from the equestrian venue

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As reported by mystateline, the accident occurred on 30th July 2023. Harper Finn was excited to watch some brilliant horse races at the Jeffer’s Memorial Races. However, the unfortunate accident put everything to a stop. The staff of the equestrian event immediately rushed to the scene, and a message about the tragedy was relayed. The girl was instantly taken to a nearby hospital and was given some preliminary treatment. Later, however, a medic team arrived on the scene and airlifted the injured Harper to a hospital in St. Louis.

via Imago

The malfunctioning gate hit Harper quite hard. The girl is currently fighting for her life at the hospital. The equestrian event postponed the remaining races or directly canceled them. The Fair Management of Effingham County said that they send their deepest and most sincere thoughts and prayers to the family. The management said that they would be taking the situation very seriously. The people of the community also found a way to deal with the financial woes it could face.

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The support of the community

The age of the internet has made receiving money and donating it a straightforward task. The community immediately set up a GoFundMe account for Harper Finn and her family. The initial goal of the initiative was to reach the $10,000 mark, but it currently stands at $56,750. The prompt response of the community showcases the pros of a close-knit society.

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The Sheriff’s Office of Effingham County has started to investigate the matter. Naturally, the security of the equestrian venue cannot be ignored. It must also be found and verified. So far, no signs of foul play have been detected by the police. Amidst all the chaos, young Harper struggles to fight for her little life. Some early newspapers had even declared her dead. However, it was later revealed that she was alive but in a critical condition.

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