Stratford, CT. (May 26, 2016): State Police detectives from the Fire and Explosion Investigative Unit (FEIU) are investigating a carnival ride after a light fixture became dislodged while the ride was in motion. On May 25, 2016 shortly after 9:00 p.m. a ferris wheel ride at the carnival on Barnum Ave. in Stratford was stopped by the ride operator after a light fixture became dislodged and wedged between two seats on the ferris wheel. The dislodged light fixture prevented the two seats from properly swiveling. Upon hearing the light fixture fall, the ride operator immediately stopped the ferris wheel and contacted the Stratford Fire Department. Two children, that occupied a different seat, were on the ferris wheel when it was stopped.
Members of the Stratford Fire Department assisted the children off the ferris wheel with the use of an aerial bucket, as the children were approximately 25 feet off the ground. The children were not injured, and walked onto the fire truck bucket under their own power. The ferris wheel was closed for the night and taken out of service.
On May 26, 2016 during the morning hours, State Police detectives from FEIU responded to the scene and initiated an investigation. Detectives determined this incident is not due to mechanical failure. Detectives will conduct a ride safety inspection before placing the Ferris wheel back in-service. Detectives continue to investigate.
State Police emphasized that the light fixture that fell doesn’t have anything to do with the operation of the ride, therefore it was not a mechanical failure with the ride, but an equipment failure of the light fixture itself. The light is one of many that is used to attract people to the ride, it doesn’t make the ride run.
