State Closes Ride At Tulsa State Fair

Friday, October 5th 2007, 10:45 am

By: News On 6

Operator error was a factor in two accidents on the same ride at the Tulsa State Fair this week. That determination came in an announcement by the state Department of Labor Friday morning. The two accidents on the â€œZyclonâ€ ride occurred last Saturday and Wednesday, injuring four children.

During a news conference at the Tulsa State Fair, Labor Department officials said their ride inspectors have not yet determined whether debris played a factor in the second accident. Two cars collided Wednesday evening, sending a 10-year-old girl to a Tulsa hospital.

Last Saturday, two cars collided, sending three children, ages 5 to 7, to a Tulsa hospital. After the Saturday accident, the â€œZyclonâ€ ride was re-opened. However, the ride was closed down again after Wednesday eveningâ€™s accident.

Labor Department officials say they will look at tightening rules to make sure riders are safe.

"Our goal is to always have zero incidents but you have this many rides, this many people out at the fair, incidents do happen," said ride inspector Don Hankins.

Before the "Zyclon" came to Tulsa State Fair, it was in Tennessee. Officials say there is no state inspection program in Tennessee, but the ride passed a private inspection in Tennessee.

Labor Department officials say the â€œZyclonâ€ will remain closed for the rest of the Tulsa State Fair. The fair ends on Sunday.

Watch the video: Fair Ride Shutdown

Related story:

10/4/2007 - State Fair Ride Closed After Accident

10/4/2007 - Ride Inspectors Say One Fair Ride Unlikely To Reopen