Key Takeaways
- An incident occurred at the Rolling Meadows music festival in Christchurch, involving three men who fell out of a ride.
- The men were treated by St John ambulance staff and transported to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition.
- Event Hire, the operator of the ride, has launched an independent investigation and notified WorkSafe of the accident.
- The safety of riders and the public is the top priority for Event Hire, with clearly displayed safety rules and trained staff overseeing the rides.
- The incident is being reviewed, and an engineer has been hired to undertake a full technical review of the equipment involved.
Introduction to the Incident
The Rolling Meadows music festival, which took place from December 29 to 31, was marred by an incident involving three men who fell out of a ride. According to a spokesperson, the incident occurred during one of the event’s final rides, and the men were treated by St John ambulance staff. The staff responded quickly, along with two ambulances and two rapid response units from the emergency ambulance service. The men were transported to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of festival-goers and the measures in place to prevent such accidents.
The Ride Operator’s Response
Event Hire, the company that operates the ride, has released a statement regarding the incident. According to the statement, the operator saw the three men swinging the bucket they were sitting in during the ride, which is against the safety rules. The operator immediately told them to stop, but as the ride was being stopped and the occupants were being safely unloaded, the bucket tipped, and the men fell out. Event Hire director Phil Anderson said that all patrons are checked before boarding the ride to ensure they are fit to ride safely. The company has notified WorkSafe of the accident and has launched an independent investigation, including a full technical review of the equipment involved.
Safety Measures in Place
Anderson emphasized that the safety of riders and the public is the absolute priority for Event Hire. The company has clearly displayed safety rules and trained staff overseeing the rides, including measures to ensure patrons are fit to participate. The incident is being reviewed, and the company is taking steps to prevent such accidents in the future. The fact that the operator was able to respond quickly and stop the ride suggests that there are measures in place to prevent accidents, but the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and attention to safety protocols.
Police Response and Festival Incident
In Christchurch, police reported that behavior was mainly good, with no issues at the Hagley Park concert and only minor incidents at the Rolling Meadows festival. The police response suggests that the festival was generally well-managed, and the incident involving the three men was an isolated event. However, the incident highlights the need for continued attention to safety protocols and the importance of ensuring that festival-goers are aware of and follow safety rules.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident at the Rolling Meadows music festival is a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the safety of festival-goers. Event Hire has taken steps to investigate the incident and prevent such accidents in the future. The company’s commitment to safety and its prompt response to the incident suggest that it is taking the necessary steps to prioritize the safety of its patrons. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will become available about the incident and the measures being taken to prevent such accidents in the future.