Additional checks on Blackpool's Star Flyer after ride failure in Birmingham leaves two in hospital
VisitBlackpool has moved to reassure visitors to the resort’s Christmas By The Sea village on the Prom opposite the Tower
Additional checks have been carried out on Blackpool’s seafront Star Flyer ride after a similar machine “crashed to the ground” in Birmingham.
Two women were reportedly taken to hospital and another 11 thrill-seekers were checked by paramedics after the Christmas fairground ride failed in the West Midlands city last night.
Two men, aged 55 and 21, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and obstructing officers, police said.
Following the crash, which has made national headlines, VisitBlackpool has moved to reassure visitors to the resort’s Christmas By The Sea village on the Prom opposite the Tower, where the 196ft Star Flyer, one of Europe’s tallest swing rides, sits.
“All of the rides in the Christmas By The Sea village, including the Star Flyer, undergo daily, rigorous safety checks as part of the site operator's standard procedures,” a spokesperson said.
“Each ride is thoroughly inspected and signed off before it is allowed to operate for the day. These checks are an integral part of the operator's routine, ensuring the highest standards of safety are maintained at all times.
“In light of the incident elsewhere, additional checks have been carried out but the operator’s safety protocols are already extremely robust.
“This includes specific features on the Star Flyer, such as the spreader bar above the seats, which ensures that the seats cannot tangle.”
A Health and Safety Executive investigation is underway at the scene of the City Star Flyer accident in Birmingham’s Centenary Square.
The West Midlands Fire Service said the attraction “dropped to the ground” while in operation.
Louise Brown, who was on the 180ft ride, said: “It’s hard to process how one minute you can be innocently having fun and screaming in a scared way to then screaming because you could’ve potentially lost your life.”
Ride operator Danter Attractions said it is co-operating with authorities, adding: “Our thoughts are with the individuals and families affected.”