SOON after a giant octopus ride at a funfair beneath Rama VIII Bridge malfunctioned, throwing three people to the ground last night (Oct. 26) the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) quickly closed both this and the risky flying bee ride, Matichon newspaper said.
Bangkok Governor Chadchat Sittipunt sent Deputy Governor Wissanu Supsompon and Bang Plad district chief Areeya Pengprasert to inspect this fairground after the accident.
Wissanu said it was found that a pin holding one of the spinning octopus ride’s arms had come loose because there were no fastening nuts holding it in place. It had instead been welded to the mechanical octopus’ body but this was not strong enough to support the weight of the riders.
Engineers have to inspect this ride in detail because other welding traces were found.
All other rides at this funfair were also checked and it was found that the flying bee ride could be risky because two to three points looked unsafe. Engineers will also inspect this apparatus.
Areeya said the funfair operator had correctly applied for permission to install 11 rides beneath the bridge with tests undertaken and reported to the district office on a daily basis.
While these two rides have been stopped, the others including Viking Ferris Wheel will continue operating till Oct. 31 when permission to use this space ends.
While the party renting this spot to run the funfair had rented the rides from another company, the former is responsible for compensating the three injured fair-goers.
One of them was treated and discharged from Siriraj Hospital while the other two are still undergoing treatment at Chao Phraya Hospital.
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Funfair rides installed beneath Rama VIII Bridge. Photos: Matichon
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