Six British theme parks close pendulum rides after teen is killed in US horror accident
The UK rides have been taken out of use until they have been re-inspected
SIX British theme parks have shut rides following the death of teenager in America.
Last week youngsters were thrown 30ft in the air during a fairground tragedy in Ohio killing Tyler Jarrell, 18, who had just enlisted in the US Marines days before.
Seven others were injured including Tyler's girlfriend Keziah Lewis, 19, of Columbus.
Today it has emerged that five theme parks with similar rides to the Fireball pendulum ride at the Ohio State Fair have been in the UK after an enforcement notice has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive on "swinging pendulum" rides.
This includes Pleasure Wood Hills, Norfolk, Ryan Crow Amusements, North East, Coney Beach Fair, South Wales, Joseph Manning, Herefordshire, Brean Theme Park, Somerset.
A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said: "HSE is aware of the tragic accident involving the KMG Afterburner (themed as Fire Ball) machine in Ohio on July 26.
"There are five machines of this version operating in UK and all have been thoroughly inspected within the last 12 months. There is no verified information regarding the immediate cause of the US accident.
"Following the incident, HSE initiated a re-inspection of these machines. As a result, an Enforcement Notice has been served on the machines, which are now to be taken out of use until the notices have been complied with.
"HSE will ensure operators are kept abreast of information as it arrives and will take such action as is necessary to ensure the rides are inspected and tested as necessary to ensure safety."
A sixth ride at Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire was immediately taken out of use by the operator independently of the HSE.
Lightwater Valley said its Eagle's Claw ride was not running, telling visitors: "Due to circumstances beyond our control this ride is currently closed, apologies for any inconvenience this may cause."
An HSE spokesman added: "The sixth, at Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire, was immediately taken out of use following the incident in Ohio.
"This was a decision taken independently by the operator.
“She kept asking for her boyfriend. I had to tell her he was the one who was deceased", she said.
Video reportedly taken moments before the horror shows the ride swinging back and forth before parts break off, sending thrill-seekers flying through the air.
The ride combines swinging and spinning, flinging people back and forth.
Gov. John Kasich called it the worst tragedy in the history of the fair.
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He released a statement Wednesday evening which read: "I am terribly saddened by this accident, by the loss of life and that people were injured enjoying Ohio’s fair.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to those grieving and injured.
"I have ordered a full investigation into this incident and have ordered that all fair rides be shut down until additional safety inspections can be completed."
Local authorities said the rain had hampered their investigation into what happened.
The state fair confirmed on Twitter there had been a report of a ride malfunction.
They said: "We are investigating and will report information as available."
The fair was celebrating its 164th year in 2017.
A full investigation has now been launched.
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