Ride Operator Injured At Oklahoma State Fair

Sunday, September 16th 2007, 6:08 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A worker at the Oklahoma State Fair was injured Sunday by a ride he was operating. The unidentified worker was one of two operators on the Spider Ride, which spins riders who are seated in open cars. Authorities say the second operator started the ride before his co-worker was clear of it.

Authorities say one of the cars struck the worker in the head and shoulder. He was listed in critical condition at an Oklahoma City hospital.

Fair officials say the accident wasn't the result of a mechanical failure. But the ride has been closed pending an investigation by the state Department of Labor.

The accident is the first at the fair this year. The fair opened its 11-day run on Thursday.