British theme parks close ride after death in US

FIVE British theme parks, including one in Porthcawl, have shut rides after a teenager died when thrown from a similar machine in America.

Tyler Jarrell, 18, died after being thrown from the swinging clawshaped Fireball ride – also known as the ‘Afterburner’ – at the Ohio state fair.

Now the Health and Safety Executive has issued an enforcement notice on similar rides in five British parks. The rides at Pleasure Wood Hills in Norfolk; Ryan Crow Amusements, which operates across the North East; Coney Beach Fair in Porthcawl; Joseph Manning which operates in Herefordshire; and Brean Theme Park in Somerset are all now shut.

A HSE spokeswoman said: “HSE is aware of the tragic accident involving the KMG Afterburner (themed as Fireball) machine in Ohio on July 26.

“There are five machines of this version operating in UK and all have been thoroughly inspected within the last 12 months.

“There is no verified information regarding the immediate cause of the US accident.

“Following the incident, HSE initiated a re-inspection of these machines.

“As a result, an Enforcement Notice has been served on the machines, which are now to be taken out of use until the notices have been complied with.”

“HSE will ensure operators are kept abreast of information as it arrives and will take such action as is necessary to ensure the rides are inspected and tested to ensure safety.”

Tyle died after his seat snapped off and sent him flying into the air. Seven people were injured in the accident.