Ferris Wheels banned until further notice – FBC News

The National Occupational Health and Safety Service of the Ministry of Labor today banned the operation of all big wheel rides until further notice.

And Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh says a thorough investigation is being carried out to determine the cause of the problem.

The ban notice was put in place following the 12-seater Ferris wheel incident at the Wairiki Sevens tournament in Taveuni on Wednesday.

Patrons had to be helped off after the fun ride developed mechanical problems, causing it to spin back and forth.

However, FBC News received footage showing panicked riders jumping off the big wheel as it came to a halt after spinning out of control.

Singh says the amusement ride was inspected by the NOHSS Inspectorate over the weekend and underwent relevant examination and testing to ensure its components were in proper working order.

The certificate of operation was issued on Monday.

Singh says the ministry is in the preliminary stages of investigations as inspectors are still at the Wairiki grounds to establish the real cause of this unfortunate incident.

The NOHSS team will provide the full investigation report once the exercise is completed and the ministry will publish an update on the outcome.

In response to questions from FBC News, Singh said the report on the fatal incident at the Showcase last year was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions last December.