Safety inspector faces ban until M&D rollercoaster crash probe complete

A safety inspector has been given a temporary ban as part of the probe into a rollercoaster crash which left children seriously injured.The Health and Safety

The scene of last month's rollercoaster crash at M&Ds theme park in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. Picture: SWNS


Executive (HSE) has issue a prohibition notice banning the independent operator from carrying out any more inspections while its investigation continues into the crash last month at M&D’s theme park at Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire.

Fairground owners who have had rides inspected by the man, who has not been named, have been told to take “appropriate action”.

Eight children and two adults were taken to hospital after the Tsunami ride derailed and plunged 20ft to the ground.

Three children were said to be in a serious condition.

HSE said in a statement: “HSE is currently investigating the crash of the Tsunami ride at M&D theme park on Sunday 26 June and will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and the Crown Office while the cause of the incident is established.

“As part of the ongoing investigation, HSE has taken enforcement action against an independent fairground ride inspector.

“They have been served with a prohibition notice which prevents them from undertaking any inspection of fairground rides until the condition of the prohibition notice is fulfilled.

“HSE is working with ­industry bodies to ensure all fairground owners are aware of the prohibition notice.”

It added: “Ride owners directly affected by this individual’s work are being contacted through industry bodies to ensure they are able to take any appropriate action that is necessary.”

Indoor areas of the amusement park have reopened since the crash but outdoor sections and all rides remain closed.

A spokeswoman for M&D’s said: “We’re unable to comment on any decisions taken by HSE.”

Safety issues have affected rides at M&D’s theme park in the past.

In March, eight people had to be rescued by firefighters when the park’s Tornado rollercoaster ground to a halt 20ft in the air.

In July 2011, nine people were rescued from the park’s Tsunami rollercoaster after being trapped for up to eight hours. The malfunction was blamed on a broken lift chain.

In 2006, firefighters freed 18 people who were trapped upside down on a fairground ride at M&D’s.