Weekend incidents put focus on fairground ride safety

Incidents affecting fairground rides in NSW and Queensland over the weekend have brought the focus on amusement industry safety.

The first incident, at Goodna’s annual Jacaranda Festival on Saturday (24th October), saw an empty carriage become detached from the 'Rok n Roll' ride.

On Facebook, Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully stated "one of the cages (was) flung off the ride, through the protective barrier onto the ground.

"Thankfully, no one was inside."

Nine News reported that a faulty clip was to blame for the incident, quoting the ride operator describing it as a "minor malfunction."

The ride operator initially appeared evasive when a Nine News reported challenged him over the incident.

WorkSafe Queensland checked the ride today (Sunday 25th October), and it resumed operating as the Festival continued at Ipswich's Evan Marginson Park.

As a result, Councillor Tully stated “I’m amazed that the ride was allowed to operate when it wasn’t bolted together properly.

“The fencing around the perimeter of the ride is held together by cable ties … it seems unusual that a ride of this nature should be held together with cable ties.”

On Sunday, three teenage girls were taken to hospital after falling four metres from a carriage on a ferris wheel at fairground at Memorial Avenue in Liverpool.

The ABC reported that a 14-year-old girl was treated for injuries to her pelvis and arm and was taken to Westmead Children's hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The other two girls aged 15 and 16 were treated for injuries to their ribs and arm and were also taken to the hospital in a stable condition.

It was reported that the girls fell after the door to the carriage opened.

WorkCover NSW is investigating the incident.

The Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) has been contacted for comment.

Click here to view the Nine News report on Jacaranda Festival incident.

Image shows the 'Rok n Roll' ride under inspection. Courtesy Paul Tully/Facebook.

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