Key Takeaways
- Three men were warned to stop swinging their bucket on a ferris wheel ride at the Rolling Meadow Festival in Christchurch, but they fell out and two were seriously injured.
- The operator of the ride, Event Hire, stated that the men were told to stop swinging the bucket as it was against safety rules and dangerous.
- The incident is under investigation by WorkSafe, which has issued a prohibition notice preventing the use of the ferris wheel until an engineering expert has investigated and reported back.
- The safety of riders and the public is the "absolute priority" of the ride operator, with clearly displayed safety rules and trained staff in place.
Introduction to the Incident
The operator of a ferris wheel in Christchurch has reported that three men were warned to stop swinging their bucket just before they fell from the ride at the Rolling Meadow Festival at Bottle Lake. The incident occurred at around 2am on New Year’s Day, resulting in two of the men being seriously injured. According to the operator, Event Hire, the three men had purchased tickets for one of the final rides of the evening and were assessed prior to boarding to ensure they were fit to ride safely.
The Incident Unfolds
During the ride, the operator observed the three men swinging the bucket they were sitting in and immediately told them to stop as it was against the safety rules and dangerous. Despite the warning, the men continued to swing the bucket, which eventually tipped and caused them to fall out. The operator had begun the process of stopping the ride and safely unloading all occupants, but the incident occurred before this could be completed. Qualified medical personnel were already onsite and provided prompt treatment to the men before two of them were taken to hospital for further assessment.
Response from the Ride Operator
The owner of Event Hire, Phil Anderson, stated that the safety of riders and the public is their "absolute priority". The company has clearly displayed safety rules and trained staff in place to ensure patrons are fit to participate in the ride. Anderson said, "Our rides operate under clearly displayed safety rules and are overseen by trained staff, including measures to ensure patrons are fit to participate." The company will not be providing further comment on the incident as it is currently under investigation.
Investigation and Prohibition Notice
WorkSafe has issued a prohibition notice, which prevents the use of the ferris wheel until the department is satisfied that an engineering expert has fully investigated and reported back to the device owner, Event Hire. The notice also requires a copy of the engineer’s report to be provided to WorkSafe. This is a standard procedure in cases where there is a serious incident involving a ride or device, and it is intended to ensure that the ride is safe for use before it is allowed to operate again.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident highlights the importance of following safety rules and guidelines when participating in rides and activities. The investigation by WorkSafe will aim to determine the cause of the incident and identify any steps that can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, the ferris wheel will remain out of operation until the investigation is complete and the necessary safety measures are in place. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and taking all necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.