Fun fair to escape probe into accident

A TOP fun fair will escape a full probe by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) despite a serious accident in Cork last week, it emerged yesterday.

The decision by the HSA not to launch a full investigation into the accident at Funderland, in which a large metal gear cog snapped off a ride in mid-air and narrowly missed passengers’ heads, has highlighted a major gap in the regulation of fun fairs.

Despite an examination of the machine by HSA inspectors, the incident has not been classed a workplace accident and therefore falls outside the remit of the organisation.

A HSA spokesman said it was more a public safety issue than a workplace issue.

Dozens of people narrowly avoided injury when the large cog snapped off The Frisbee ride in mid-air, and missed their heads by inches as it crashed to the ground.

About 40 passengers were aboard at the time and many were sprayed with gallons of oil.

Eyewitnesses spoke afterwards of their terror and said it was a miracle no-one was killed.

The incident occurred on Easter Bank Holiday Monday during the fun fair’s visit to Cork’s Showgrounds.

The land is owned by the city council but is leased to the Munster Agricultural Society (MAS).

A city spokesman said, as a result, it was a matter for the MAS. The council only becomes involved in clearing fun fairs to operate if they are using public land, he said.

The Frisbee was shut down after the incident.