Magical Midways has pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Technical Standards and Safety Act and has received a fine after an incident in August 2022.
The incident involved one of its amusement rides at the Campbellford Fair in , Ontario, Canada, when one of the cars became detached from the Tilt-A-Whirl ride while it was in operation. All three passengers in the car at the time sustained minor injuries.
An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority revealed that Magical Midways failed to maintain proper inspection records in accordance with Ontario Regulation 221/01. The employee responsible for maintenance used a simplified checklist that did not reflect the manufacturer’s required procedures. The logbook lacked any documentation of the necessary inspection and testing of fasteners on the car’s pivot pin assembly – a failure that led to the unit's unexpected detachment.
AJ Kadirgamar, director of the TSSA’s Amusement Devices Safety Program, said: “Maintenance is just as important as installation when it comes to amusement ride safety. Installation ensures a ride is set up for safe use, but ongoing maintenance ensures it remains safe over time. Overlooking key procedures or failing to document them can put users at serious risk.”
The Ontario Court has imposed a fine of CA$30,000 (US$22,073) and a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
