The National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS) within the Employment Ministry is launching a preliminary investigation into an incident involving the MG Rocket Ride that occurred on Sunday, September 1, 2024. The ride’s owner notified the Ministry about the incident around 3:25 PM.
Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, confirmed that the OHS team promptly arrived at the scene to determine the cause of the occurrence.
Following their investigation, the NOHSS team identified the issue and issued a prohibition notice, requiring the immediate cessation of operations for the MG Rocket Ride. This ride features six carts, each designed to accommodate a maximum of two children, and was fully loaded with 12 passengers at the time of the incident.
Investigators found that a turnbuckle on cart No. 3 had broken, causing the cart to tilt left and resulting in the rear left side of the rocket wing making contact with the ground. The turnbuckle’s role is to align and secure the cart in place. It was reported that the turnbuckle was still intact on its mounting, and the children were safely secured with seat belts. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the riders.
The seat belts effectively held passengers in their seats during the incident, and the carts remain firmly attached to the ride’s rotating arms by two bolts and nuts.
The investigation into the cause of the turnbuckle’s failure is ongoing, and the MG Rocket Ride will remain closed until further notice. Singh noted that prior to the operation of the rides for the weeklong Hibiscus festival, the NOHSS team conducted thorough OHS inspections, testing, and certifications of all rides.
The owners and operators also participated in a standard operating procedures orientation session on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Ministry of Employment Office. The NOHSS team has been monitoring the rides every day since the festival’s opening and will continue to be present throughout the event to ensure all rides are operated safely.