Investigators: Soft ground may be to blame for fair ride collapse

Story Published: Apr 17, 2009 at 7:06 PM PDT
Story Updated: Apr 17, 2009 at 8:08 PM PDT
KOMONews.com Seattle,Washington


By KOMO Staff PUYALLUP, Wash. -- Investigators said the soft ground may have cause a children's ride at the Spring Fair to topple over and injure several people on Friday evening.
Investigators on scene said the Lolli Swings, a rotating swing ride for children, fell on its side around 6:30 p.m. According to a witness named "Lynn," the ride was fully occupied when it fell over, and several children were badly injured.

"They were setting up a trauma area when the I walked away because I couldn't watch anymore," she said.

Officials on scene said the ride was carrying 14 people, including several adults, at the time.

One child and one adult were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. The extent of their injuries and their conditions were not known. Several other kids were taken to the hospital by their parents with bumps and bruises.

Investigators said the Kiddyland ride, which has been operating at the fair for the past five years, had just passed a safety inspection on Wednesday. They believe the soft, soggy ground under the ride might have given way, causing the ride to collapse.

The investigation is ongoing.

The photo below shows the ride prior to collapse: