Inspections ordered for carnival rides involved in Calif. accident
(File photo)
A file photo of a Yo-Yo ride.
By Globe Staff
With warmer weather arriving, it's that time of year again: time for the traveling carnival, with its bright lights and kid-thrilling rides, to set up in town. But state public safety officials say one of the attractions may be unsafe.
Inspections have been ordered for all Yo-Yo amusement rides after one of the rides failed this weekend in California, injuring two dozen people.
"My first priority is for the safety of patrons on these rides. The regulations require that owners comply with all safety bulletins issued by the manufacturer, and I have taken this action to ensure that his has been done, and that these devices are safe to operate," Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Gatzunis said in a statement.
The devices won't be allowed to operate until a state inspector has performed a complete inspection on all components of the devices.
The Department of Public Safety said that there are four Yo-Yo rides licensed in the state to traveling carnivals. The rides are made by Chance Rides Manufacturing Inc. of Wichita, Kan.
Department spokesman Terrel Harris said that a carnival scheduled to arrive in Milford this weekend will not be able to open its Yo-Yo ride unless it's inspected.
A spokesman for Chance Rides said the company didn't object to the state's action.
"We don't mind. We encourage compliance with our safety bulletins. This is a great way to throw out a safety net and make sure everybody's up to date," said Jeff Roth, vice president of administration at Chance Rides.
