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 further notice
- The safety of riders and the public is the "absolute priority" of Event Hire, according to the company’s owner
- Medical personnel were on site and provided prompt treatment to the injured men before they were taken to hospital
Introduction to the Incident
The Rolling Meadow Festival in Christchurch took a dramatic turn on New Year’s Day when three men fell from a ferris wheel ride at around 2am. The incident occurred when the men, who had purchased tickets for one of the final rides of the evening, began swinging the bucket they were sitting in, despite being warned to stop by the ride operator. Two of the men were seriously injured in the fall and were taken to hospital for further assessment. The incident has sparked an investigation by WorkSafe, which has issued a prohibition notice preventing the use of the ferris wheel until further notice.
The Ride Operator’s Account
According to the operator of the ferris wheel, Event Hire, the three men were assessed prior to boarding the ride to ensure they were fit to ride safely. However, during the ride, the operator observed the men swinging the bucket and immediately told them to stop as it was against the safety rules and dangerous. Despite this warning, the men continued to swing the bucket, which eventually tipped and caused them to fall out. The operator stated that medical personnel were already on site and provided prompt treatment to the injured men before they were taken to hospital.
Safety Protocols and Precautions
The owner of Event Hire, Phil Anderson, emphasized that the safety of riders and the public is the company’s "absolute priority". He stated that the company’s rides operate under clearly displayed safety rules and are overseen by trained staff, including measures to ensure patrons are fit to participate. Anderson also noted that the company will not be providing further comment on the incident as it is currently under investigation. The incident highlights the importance of following safety rules and protocols when participating in amusement park rides, and the need for ride operators to ensure that patrons are aware of and comply with these rules.
Investigation and Prohibition Notice
WorkSafe has issued a prohibition notice preventing the use of the ferris wheel until the department is satisfied that an engineering expert has fully investigated and reported back to Event Hire. The notice also requires a copy of the engineer’s report to be provided to WorkSafe. This measure is intended to ensure that the ferris wheel is safe for use and that any necessary repairs or modifications are made before it is allowed to operate again. The investigation will likely focus on the causes of the incident, including the role of the ride operator and the actions of the men who fell from the ride.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The incident at the Rolling Meadow Festival highlights the importance of safety protocols and precautions in the amusement park industry. The fact that the men were warned to stop swinging the bucket but continued to do so despite the risks underscores the need for ride operators to ensure that patrons are aware of and comply with safety rules. The investigation and prohibition notice issued by WorkSafe will help to determine the causes of the incident and ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the amusement park industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that safety remains a top priority to prevent injuries and ensure that patrons have a safe and enjoyable experience.