PORT ORANGE, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say patrons at a central Florida carnival caught a toddler whose mother was forced to drop her when a ride stranded them 30 feet in the air.

Authorities say the "Crazy Bus" ride started to move as passengers were exiting Saturday night at a carnival about six miles south of Daytona Beach.

Sherri Pinkerton had to dangle by one hand while holding her toddler in the other arm. She then dropped the girl, who was caught by fairgoers.

Pinkerton told WKMG-TV that her daughter was clinging to her shirt and she had to pry her fingers off before dropping her.

Firefighters used a ladder to rescue Pinkerton from the ride, which rotates like a small Ferris wheel.

No one was hurt and inspectors are investigating.