Last week’s fatal accident on a carnival ride at the Ohio State Fair captured the attention of ride safety inspectors here in Pennsylvania.
Walter Remmert, director of the state agriculture department’s Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards, says inspectors in the commonwealth are proactively contacting the owner and operators of the exact same ride that malfunctioned in Ohio, as well as similar rides and attractions.
“To see if we can do things safer and better,” Remmert said.
He notes there are things that carnival and fair attendees can do to make sure the ride they’re about to go on is safe.
“Each ride and attraction is issued a metal, PA ride ID plate etched into it,” Remmert said. “Riders and parents can ask to see that plate.”
Remmert says there are over 9,300 registered rides and attractions in Pennsylvania, which is more than any other state or foreign country.
