Carnival ride accident raises questions about inspections

Monday night came to a scary end at the Buchanan Firemen’s Carnival. 14 year old Dusty Young was one of three boys in the bucket of the Octopus ride that hit the ground after part of the arm connecting it broke.

Young says, “Me and my friends were in the ride, it started cracking and then it popped and we like all hit our heads and as soon as it happened all the firemen were there.“

Firefighter, Marty Rickman helps organize the event and says in 62 years nothing like this has ever happened.

He says, “The state inspector… when he looked at it… it’s a part you just can’t see.“

This carnival ride was inspected by an independent third party inspector, which WSLS has learned is common for a small town like Buchanan.  We checked with the state and the inspector’s certification is up to date. 

He says part of the metal arm that connects the bucket to the center of the ride has a cylinder that broke.  He says the piece that broke can’t be seen during an inspection.  The accident could have been much more serious if the ride had been going full speed.  The ride was about to stop and was slowing down when it broke.

Young says, “It was starting to slow but then it popped and we fell.“

The broken carnival ride has been packed up to be hauled off.  Young says he’ll go back to the carnival but not to ride the rides.

Rickman hopes the accident won’t keep people away.

He says, “We hope people will continue to come out and be with us… enjoy us… and support the fire department.“

Because the money from this carnival is all they will have to work with for the year. 

The carnival lasts for the rest of the week.  Tonight is James River High School Night as well as Family Night.  There will be a big fireworks display on Saturday for July 4th.