Movie World Cleared of Wrongdoing in Carousel Accident
In a recent turn of events, Movie World has been exonerated from allegations surrounding a carousel accident that left a 12-year-old boy with severe head injuries. The incident, which took place in April 2022, raised concerns about safety standards at the popular Gold Coast theme park.
The Incident Details
During the accident, the young boy suffered catastrophic injuries described as an "ear-to-ear de-scalping injury" and multiple fractures. The court proceedings revealed that he had been standing on the back of a Wile E. Coyote character rather than sitting on it when his head came into contact with an open aperture in the ceiling of the carousel. As described in court, this opening led to a dangerous situation where his head became pinned between the edge of the aperture and machinery responsible for animating the carousel.
Safety Allegations and Withdrawn Prosecution
Initially, Work Health Safety Queensland (WHSQ) accused the operator, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, of failing to uphold their duty of care. WHSQ presented evidence that an independent safety report had been provided to Movie World eight months prior to the accident. This report acknowledged the ceiling aperture as a potential crush injury risk and recommended the installation of rigid plastic brushes to mitigate hazards—a safety measure deemed standard in other parks, like Sea World and Dream World.
Responses from Both Sides
WHSQ’s barrister, Clare O’Connor, argued that Village Roadshow’s failure to implement these safety recommendations exposed riders to unnecessary risks. Conversely, Village Roadshow’s barrister, Saul Holt, countered that the boy’s actions on the carousel were "not reasonably foreseeable." Witness testimonies described the boy as "surfing" the character when the incident occurred, indicating a level of recklessness on his part.
Immediate Action Taken
Following the incident, the carousel was promptly shut down and underwent extensive engineering modifications before reopening. Holt asserted that once the risk was acknowledged, Village Roadshow took proactive measures to prevent future occurrences.
Testimonies from Staff
Ruby Piakura, an attraction attendant who operated the carousel at the time, highlighted her experience working with the ride. She testified that she had never witnessed a rider standing on a character prior to that day and acted swiftly by pressing the emergency stop once she realized something had gone awry. Despite continuing her employment at Movie World, she expressed that she has not returned to operate that particular ride, indicating the psychological impact of the traumatic event.
Expert Testimony and Industry Standards
David Randall, a theme park safety consultant responsible for the safety report, also provided insight during the trial. He stated that while the recommendation for plastic brushes was made, it was not a regulatory requirement for ride operation. He characterized the brushes as a "tactile deterrent" intended to prompt awareness rather than serve as a foolproof barrier. Notably, he admitted that he did not foresee the possibility of a child standing on a ride character, conveying his surprise at the incident.
Court’s Verdict
On the third day of the trial, O’Connor announced the prosecution’s decision to withdraw from the case, citing insufficient evidence. Magistrate Lisa O’Neill supported this decision, deeming it responsible and commending the absence of further evidence presented. The dismissal of charges against Village Roadshow means that the operator may now pursue a claim for legal expenses incurred during the proceedings.
Ongoing Safety Considerations
As this incident unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in amusement ride safety and the obligations of operators to maintain a safe environment. The aftermath raises critical questions regarding risk assessment and child safety on amusement rides, especially in busy theme parks where vigilance is crucial.
