The agency regulating amusement rides in Ontario says unlike in the United States there are additional procedures in place here to avoid tragedies like yesterday's fatal ride malfunction at the Ohio State Fair.
Steve Robinson — with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) — spoke with AM800's The Morning Drive earlier today.
"Rides are inspected each year by TSSA inspectors but the important thing that's different in Ontario is we also license the mechanics," says Robinson. "We certify those mechanics and they're expected to inspect those rides every day before going into operation. They would be attached to the device. They'd know the device intimately — they're employed by the fair operator and the fair operator themselves are ceritified as well and Ontario's the only one to do that."
Our hearts are heavy... pic.twitter.com/Lzc6fUz6WG
— Ohio State Fair (@OhioStateFair) July 27, 2017
Robinson says the majority of ride mishaps in Ontario are usually caused by user behaviour not from the equipment faltering.
The Ohio State Fair is re-opening today, but rides will not operate until they're determined to be safe.
One man was killed, two are in critical condition and another is in hospital with serious injuries after the Fire Ball thrill ride fell apart last night, sending people flying through the air.
A fire official in Columbus says the man who died was 18 and that the injured range in age from 13 to 41.