The National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS) under the Employment Ministry is carrying out a preliminary investigation into an incident involving an amusement ride that took place on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
The report of the incident, which involved the MG Rocket Ride, was filed by the ride’s owner around 3:25 PM. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh confirmed that the OHS team promptly responded to the scene to determine what had occurred.
According to the investigation, the NOHSS team revealed that a prohibition notice was issued to the ride owner and operator, instructing them to immediately halt operations of the MG Rocket Ride. The ride in question consists of six carts, each capable of accommodating two children, and at the time of the incident, there were 12 passengers on board.
Investigators found that the turnbuckle of cart No. 3 had failed, causing the cart to tilt to the left and resulting in the rear left side of the rocket wing making contact with the ground. The turnbuckle’s role is to secure the cart’s position. It was noted that the turnbuckle on the right side of cart No. 3 remained intact, and the children were safely secured in their carts with seat belts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the riders.
The seat belts effectively restrained the passengers, while the carts were securely fixed by two bolts and nuts, preventing them from detaching from the six rotating arms of the ride. Singh stated that the investigation into the cause of the turnbuckle failure is ongoing, and the MG Rocket Ride will remain closed until further notice.
The Employment Minister added that prior to the amusement rides operating during the week-long Hibiscus festival, the NOHSS team conducted inspections, testing, and certification of all rides. The owners and operators participated in a standard operating procedures orientation session on August 30, 2024, at the Ministry of Employment Office.
Additionally, the NOHSS team has been monitoring the rides since the festival opened on Friday and will maintain their presence throughout the event to ensure safe operations.