The 17-year-old son of Thomas Family Amusements Owner Brian Thomas was on top of the swings ride Saturday when he lost his footing and fell to the parking lot below. He was transported to a Pittsburgh-area hospital and later released.

The relatively minor injuries a carnival worker received Saturday before the start of the Paden City Labor Day Celebration are being called a miracle.

Susan Wade, an organizer of the event, said the 17-year-old son of Thomas Family Amusements Owner Brian Thomas was on top of the swings ride Saturday morning when he lost his footing and fell to the parking lot below.

Someone yelled that help was needed and Paden City Volunteer Fire Company members immediately responded and kept the young man still and covered until the Wetzel County Emergency Medical Service arrived on the scene.

Wade said the injuries looked very serious and Air Evac Lifeteam 78, based at Wetzel County Hospital, was called to Paden City Park to transport the man to a Pittsburgh-area hospital.

“They released him that night,” said Wade. “He didn’t even have to have stitches. It’s a miracle. He had no broken bones. . . nothing.”

His mother, Susan, also agreed that the result was amazing, saying God was watching over him.

After his son was taken by helicopter, Brian Thomas went on top of the swings and finished the inspection. Wade said he even rode the swings for quite some time to be sure of their safety, a primary concern of the business out of Connellsville, Pa.

“They’re super nice people,” she commented of the Thomas family.