Inspector suspended after M&D ride crash

AN INSPECTOR who checked a rollercoaster three weeks before it crashed, leaving 10 thrill-seekers injured, has been given a temporary ban from practising.

The safety watchdog said it had taken enforcement action against an independent fairground ride inspector as part of its ongoing investigation into the crash of the Tsunami ride at M&D Theme Park.

Eight children and two adults were taken to hospital in the immediate aftermath of the crash. One 11-year-old boy still remains in hospital.

The inspector, who has not been named, had performed an annual check on the amusement ride just weeks before it derailed at the North Lanarkshire theme park on June 26.

The Health and Safety Executive said it has served the inspector with a prohibition notice which prevents him from inspecting any fairground rides until he has demonstrated “diligence”.

The park was initially closed as investigations got under way, but has since partially reopened.

The HSE said it was continuing to work closely with Police Scotland and the Crown Office while the cause of the incident is established.

It also has notified other parks with which the inspector had been involved.

The man, who now has 21 days to appeal, could face prosecution – alongside the theme park itself – if they are found to have put the public atrisk.

An M&D spokesman said that it was unable to comment on any decisions decided on by the HSE.