September death at York fair in PA ruled an accident

Posted | Contributed by SLFAKE

Pennsylvania state officials have determined that the accident on the Flitzer at the York Fair last month that killed a 7-year old boy was an accident. The ride stopped suddenly, throwing the boy against unpadded framework that caused fatal injuries. The state says the ride operator was not negligent, and no criminal charges would be filed.

Read more from The York Daily Record.

It seems like the operators should check how harsh the brakes are and maybe pad the train. Or maybe they will replace the coaster altogether.
-----------------

well, the ride ops have no control over that, only maintenance does. But yes, maintenance should do something about that problem.

I rode Reithoffer Shows other Flitzer at The Great Frederick Fair, MD, and I can confirm that are no restraints at all. This is one of the reasons they make you ride with a partner. The model I rode was stopped manually however. In this safety-oriented age, it is unusual that a roller coaster, even an old one, would have no restraints.

-------------
Batwing-Bow Down *** This post was edited by Intamin Fan on 10/18/2001. ***

Actually reading the ariticle carfully, the district attorney apparently concluded that the ride company was negligent, but not criminally negligent. In other words, no criminal charges will be filed.

Its sad, my sympathies go with the family of the little boy. What a horrorific way to die. I think that some sort of restraint, or at least padding for heaven's sake, should be required. That incident is terrible, and I'm horrified.

I don't think, however, that we need to overreact like Rep Markey does, but sheesh use some common sense when you're building rides.

-----------------
"Ooo. They have the Internet on computers now."
-Homer Simpson

You must be logged in to post

POP Forums - ©2024, POP World Media, LLC