After a 2014 audit found shortcomings in Tennessee’s regulatory program for rides at fairs and amusement parks, state officials made a decision to get out of the inspection business altogether. Now, the state relies on private inspectors hired by operators and other states’ regulators to determine whether roller coasters, zip lines and Ferris wheels are safe. The oldest was a 16-year-old girl.
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On Monday night, three girls fell out of a vehicle on the ride at the Greene County Fair, and there was no seat belt.
According to an incident report, three females fell approximately 25 feet from the Ferris wheel Monday evening. “Fortunately, through the night she has done well and we were able to say that she will be downgraded to stable condition today”.
Law enforcement cordon off the area surrounding the Ferris wheel Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, after three people fell from the ride during a county fair in Greenville, Tenn. The six year old suffered a traumatic brain injury. “She was evaluated and found to be in critical condition”, Burns said. “She was evaluated and found to be in critical condition”, Burns said. “We are continuing to monitor her progress, but she does unfortunately remain in critical condition at this time”.
The incident happened about 6:15 p.m. Monday at the Greene County Fair in Greeneville, according to WCYB-TV. But there is no state requirement for an inspection to confirm that traveling equipment has been properly reassembled before children climb on board.
Greeneville police are investigating and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting, according to TBI spokeswoman Leslie Earhart.
The company received its permit to operate the Ferris wheel in Tennessee for the next three months based on a June inspection in IN, according to state Department of Labor and Workforce Development spokeswoman Jennifer Farrar.
Responsibility for ride inspections was shifted from the state Department of Commerce to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in 2009.
Bobby Holt, acting president of the Greene County Fair, said during the news conference that all rides will remain closed until inspections are complete.
Davis said the three fell when the auto flipped over.
Frank Gunther, an inspector hired by Family Attractions Amusement, also cited mechanical failure at the news conference Tuesday night.
“Additionally, Greene County Fair will be contracting our third party investigators”.
“We have fun”, said Overton.
Holt said all other scheduled events for the Greene County Fair will continue on as planned.
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The Ferris wheel incident remains under investigation.
