Ride manufacturer Zamperla has warned against unsafe applications of ride technology after a product similar in style to its Disk’O came off its rails and crashed last week, instantly killing one person and injuring 23 more.
Workers were conducting trials on the “Disco Dancer” ride to ensure safety before Kishkinta theme park in Chennai, India, opened to the public. During the trial run with people on-board, the spinning structure came free, throwing riders to the ground.
A 19-year-old worker at the park was killed instantly, while another man was reported as being in a “serious condition”.
“It is important for the public to know that the ride involved in this accident was not a Zamperla product,” said a statement from the ride manufacturer.
“Zamperla devoted considerable resources into developing its unique amusement rides, providing the safest possible experience for the public. The ride involved in this accident was an unauthorised, poorly executed forgery of the Zamperla design.
"Although outwardly appearing like a Zamperla ride, copies do not receive the level of engineering and manufacturing expertise we invest into each of our designs. We urge customers to only purchase genuine Zamperla rides and replacement parts in order to ensure the safety of their customers. "
Two proprietors of the privately-owned theme park have been arrested. The district administration had also ordered an inquiry into the fatal tragedy.
