Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Safework SA completes investigation into 2014 Royal Adelaide Show ride death

Safework SA completes investigation into 2014 Royal Adelaide Show ride death
September 2, 2015

With hundreds of thousands of South Australians expected to visit the 2015 Royal Adelaide Show both show organisers and Safework SA officers have promised an increased focus on safety at this year's event.

Extra Safework SA officers will patrol the Show, which opens on Friday (4th September), following the death last year of a child after she was flung from ride.

Safework SA is understood to have completed its investigation into the death of Adelene Leong, aged eight, who died after being tossed 10 metres from the Airmaxx 360 ride during last year's Show.

According to a report in Adelaide newspaper The Advertiser, Safework SA have determined there is enough evidence to refer the case to South Australia's the Director of Public Prosecutions.

While its investigation has been completed into the fatal accident on 12th September last year, SafeWork SA Executive Director Marie Boland told reporters a decision on whether to press charges was with the DPP who is apparently deciding whether to lay formal charges.

Boland stated "causation in any workplace incident, or any incident like this, is a question for the courts."

Adding that that the investigation into the Airmaxx 360 had been “technical and complex” investigation, Boland "we don’t make recommendations.

"Our process is our investigators do their investigations and hand it over to the legal people so they can make assessments."

The Advertiser reported that any prosecution would be linked to alleged mechanical issues, rather than a case based on claims of human error by workers.

It is also believed that, based on evidence presented by SafeWork SA, Crown Solicitor’s office lawyers have “recommended” people “linked” to the ride, which flung the child to her death, should face court.

South Australian Police are also said to believe charges should be laid.

Their investigation into the ride’s Victorian-based owners - who remain banned from operating the machinery - is still in progress.

Police are also conducting an investigation and Sturt Crime Investigation Branch detectives are compiling a “comprehensive report” for the coroner. Although the investigations are separate, it is believed information has been shared.

In setting up the 2015 Show, The Advertiser has also reported that a SafeWork SA audit of ride operators uncovered “minor” issues linked to some amusement rides.

Imported to Australia in 2013, the Airmaxx 360 ride was making its first appearance at last year's Show, and had been billed by Show organisers as "’for kids who want to scare mum and dad witless."

In 2000, 37 people were injured when the Spin Dragon ride collapsed in sideshow alley at the annual Show. 

25th September 2014 - FOCUS ON SAFETY AT ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW

15th September 2014 - FATALITY AND SECOND RIDE INCIDENT OVERSHADOW FINAL DAYS OF ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW

12th September 2014 - CHILD DIES AFTER FALL FROM RIDE AT ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

TPEC Pool Enclosures

TPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

Summit Fitness

Summit Fitness Equipment is now part of NovoFit - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/novofit/

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Envibe

With its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…

read more

Aquatics / Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

PaySmart

Headquartered in Brisbane with an Australia-wide network of satellite offices, PaySmart is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing direct debit billing companies. In 1996 we began…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology

 
 

PathMinder

PathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…

read more

Access / Fitness / Recreation / Security

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

HRMWEB

At easyemployer we've come up with a software solution that manages one of your most important, and often most costly, business resources - your staff. We are helping 100s of clients to…

read more

Finance / Fitness / Technology

 
 

Smart Connection Consultancy

Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…

read more

Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business