Investigation into Six Flags roller coaster accident reveals incomplete inspection reports
An investigation report from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety says some inspection reports at Six Flags St. Louis were incomplete.
The investigation was done in response to the 2016 Boomerang roller coaster accident. Per Missouri law, the Division of Fire Safety is required to investigate if an accident happens at an amusement park and three or more people are taken to the hospital.
The report says the investigator requested several documents from the maintenance building. A record review revealed the following:
3rd party inspection was incomplete. Report did not indicate what was inspected and if the inspection was approved or not approved The Six Flags weekly, monthly and daily inspections to include electrical, fiberglass, mechanical or electronics did not indicate what had been inspected, who had conducted the inspection or a pass or fail for each item inspected Work orders did not contain the name of the employee doing the work or items repaired Operator statement indicates the ride did not operate as designed. Squeeze break and computer failed to stop cars. The 3rd party inspection discovered deficiencies and provided additional documentation but the information was not listed on the state inspection form and there is no documentation that the items discovered were corrected
The report says four people were taken to the hospital after the accident. ABC 17 News also uncovered at least three lawsuits that have been filed in response to the incident. One of the victims said she suffered a “serious traumatic brain injury.”
ABC 17 News reached out to Six Flags St. Louis for a response to the investigation report but never heard back.
Ride Inspection Safety
According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety, anyone who wishes to operate a ride in Missouri must provide documentation to the Missouri Division of Fire Safety proving that each ride has passed a safety inspection by a state approved inspector within the last 12 months.
An operator is also required to get a permit for the ride, and the permit must be placed “on or near the ride control panel or operator’s station.”
Fixed rides are regulated by the state while traveling rides adhere to federal laws. In Missouri, bounce attractions are not required to be inspected nor are water related rides such as slides and wave pools.
To read the full inspection report from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, click below:
