HSE statement following fatal incident at Theme Park in Ohio, USA

A HSE spokesperson said: “HSE is aware of the tragic accident involving the KMG Afterburner (themed as Fire Ball) machine in Ohio on 26 July.

“There are six machines of this version operating in UK which were all thoroughly inspected within the last 12 months in line with agreed procedures. There is no verified information regarding the immediate cause of the US accident.

“Following the incident, HSE initiated a re-inspection of these machines. As a result, on Friday 28 July an Enforcement Notice was served on five of the machines, which are now to be taken out of use until the notices have been complied with. The sixth, at Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire, was immediately take out of use following the incident in Ohio. This was a decision taken independently by the operator. Lightwater Valley has agreed to keep this machine out of use until the other five notices have been complied with.

“HSE will ensure operators are kept abreast of information as it arrives and will take such action as is necessary to ensure the rides are inspected and tested as necessary to ensure safety.”

The rides which are subject to the Enforcement Prohibition notice are in the following locations:

– Pleasure Wood Hills – East Anglia

– Ryan Crow Amusements – North East

– Coney Beach Fair – South Wales

– Joseph Manning – based in Hertfordshire

– Brean Theme Park – Somerset