April 3, 2011
Another Deadly Weekend
On Saturday afternoon two children sailed over a three lane road in Arizona and Saturday night a child was killed while riding a roller coaster at a “fun center” located in Norridge, IL. Published reports say the child in Illinois fell from the Python Pit located at a “Go Bananas” indoor entertainment center.
The Arizona incident was blame on a “dust devil”.
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/crime/article_fac994cb-f69e-5064-ae0b-c2d136e53cda.html
In both cases I suspect human error was involved. I predict in the Arizona case we will learn that someone failed to adequately secure the inflatable and lack of proper supervision. The Illinois’ case is already releasing some very good information. The Sun Times article says the ride travels behind an area that is “walled” off from the rest of the ride. Industry standards mandate that the operator has a clear view and control of the ride at all times. Also the child came out of the restraint system. The industry has sort of a one size fits most system for kiddie rides. What is needed is a system similar to a seat belt in an automobile that fits across the lap and hips and not a strap that goes across the top of the car or carrier.
Hopefully these stories do not get forgotten and something good will become of this tragic event.
Ken Martin
http://www.krmgoup.com
