News: Spider ride malfunctions, injures 2

Posted at 11:54 AM EDT (1554 GMT)

Jul. 27th, 2004 -- The Spider ride at the Delaware State Fair has been closed since Sunday, when a passenger vehicle fell from its arm, injuring two riders. The accident happened at 9:30 p.m. Sunday July 24. The ride is about 30 years old, with the passenger vehicles having been replaced about 10 years ago.

Wayne Wilson, 38, and Joshua Waltz, 13, were in the vehicle that fell 10 feet to the pavement. They were treated for minor injuries at Milford Memorial Hospital. Yesterday, Wilson was quoted as saying he is still "very sore" from the accident Sunday night. "It's pretty messed up what happened," he said, though his lawyer advised him not to discuss details. However, he added, "I love the fair, we love the rides and go every year."

All rides on the midway are inspected before the fair opens. Three actual inspections take place: by the shows actual inspectors, by the Office of the State Fire Marshall, and also by an independent inspection expert.

Despite the accident, fair-goers are still confident in the fair's overall safety.  Many interviewed cited its safety record and that this was the first accident that they had ever heard of. Others called for more frequent inspections.

For more information see The Delaware News Journal Online