COSI is going to review its safety measures and protocols after an experiment at a science festival went awry earlier this month.
In a statement to WOSU on Wednesday, COSI said that during the festival on May 2, a prop came into contact with a guest who was immediately helped by COSI team members and Columbus Fire EMS personnel. COSI said no serious injuries were reported.
Ouahiba Gacem, of Columbus, is the woman who was struck. She told WOSU that it was a trash can that hit her.
Gacem said she was with her two children, ages 8 and 7, at the science festival.
"What would happen if the trash can hit my kids in the head," Gacem said. "The trash can landed on me. I go to the ground."
Gacem said Columbus medic personnel took her to the hospital, where she was treated and released. "I have a bruise on my back," she said.
Shaun Lentini, who witnessed the incident, told WOSU that COSI said the experiment involved liquid nitrogen and hot water.
"As the explosions are going off, a trash can shoots up way up in the air, I would say maybe 20, 30 feet, and then came over the barrier, came flying toward us, then landed on a woman that was a little bit in front of me and to my right," Lentini said.
In its statement, COSI said, "Out of an abundance of caution, we are conducting a comprehensive review of our protocols, equipment, and training to ensure safety standards are applied consistently across every experience we offer."
COSI's statement also included, "We are committed to taking every necessary step to ensure the safety of our guests and team members."
