TheScooterGuy Posted August 3, 2010 Posted August 3, 2010 (June 29, 2010) - In Shenzhen, China, Ecoventure Valley theme park became the site of the deadliest amusement ride accident in history when a space shuttle simulator malfunctioned, killing six people. The indoor ride, called Space Journey, consists of 12 cabins that spin and rise to the top of the dome, where there is an 80-foot screen showing images of the universe. Each cabin has the capacity to hold four passengers. Witnesses said that there was a loud noise, smoke filled the air with the smell of something burning, the lights went out, and machine oil started spraying. They said that some of the 44 riders on board were ejected from their cabins while the cabins were crashing into each other and falling 40-50 feet to the ground. According to one witness who survived the catastrophe, "All the cabins but the one we were sitting in were destroyed. Some people fell onto the rail and some fell on the ground. Some people died instantly and were just hanging dead in their seats." Most riders were unconscious and rushed to area hospitals once rescue workers broke into the ride and evacuated them; at least ten were reported injured, five of whom were hospitalized in serious condition. The dead included two men and four women, ranging in age from 24 to 48 years old. Ecoventure Valley is a theme park located at the Overseas Chinese Town East tourist resort. According to a park spokesman, Space Journey was manufactured by Beijing Jiuhua Amusement Rides Manufacturing Company. A ride description posted at the park's website reads: "By taking an aircraft simulator, you can personally experience the 2G acceleration of gravity in the time of rocket launch. The dome in the diameter of 24 meters vividly reproduces the scenic wonder of the vast universe so that your dream of flying to space appears to come true." Park officials said that the accident was the result of a mechanical malfunction, not human error, and that the manufacturer should take the blame. Civil authorites said they believed a mechanical malfunction caused the ride to lose its balance and collapse. The park, which opened in 2009, has been shut down while all of the rides are inspected. The Shenzhen government is investigating.
derek_lentz Posted August 3, 2010 Posted August 3, 2010 http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=55851&start=0&hilit=china+accident
Hhappy Posted August 3, 2010 Posted August 3, 2010 ^thanks ^^ please use the search before posting... topic locked
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