Funfair ride dismantled

AN amusement park ride which killed a 16 year-old funfair worker has been dismantled and replaced with another facility.

The slingshot ride at the amusement park in Tramore, Co Waterford where John Flavin died on August 4 has been removed by its British-based owners, James Booth and Associates in Wales.

The Ejection Seat has been replaced at the busy seafront park by the Sealion rollercoaster.

The Health and Safety probe into the fatal accident is still continuing. A spokesperson for the authority said the incident is still under investigation at present. She said she could not comment on the ongoing investigation for legal reasons.

Park director, Frank King, said just days after the accident that the ride would re-open. He was not available for comment yesterday and it could not be confirmed why it was discontinued.

Mr King and his staff at the park have been co-operating fully with the probe into the tragedy. It’s the first time that anybody was killed at the park.

Just days after the tragedy, Mr King said that the Health and Safety

Authority seemed happy with the paper work and the health and safety record of the ride. The park also submitted video footage from the night to the authority. It was the first fatal accident at the busy Tramore park in 30 years, Mr King said.

The ride was one of the park’s busiest and enjoyed a very high profile. It was also the most popular among staff and everyone wanted to work at it.

The ride has a-14 month certificate since last September and is only two-and-a-half years old.