BENTONVILLE -- A state investigation didn't determine why a ride went off the rails and injured three people last month at the Benton County Fair, according to a report released Thursday.
A cart from a miniature roller coaster derailed about 8 p.m. Aug. 10. Jason Fredericks of Bella Vista, his wife, Rochelle, and their daughter Meredith, 4, were injured, according to the report. The report did not detail the injuries.
Jason Fredericks declined comment Thursday and directed questions to his lawyer Frank Bailey with Bailey & Oliver. Bailey said Thursday the child suffered a fractured pelvis and could have some long-term medical issues.
The state Department of Labor investigated the accident, said Denise Oxley, the department's general counsel.
Stacie Higgins of Bella Vista told investigators she was standing at a gate near the ride when the accident happened, according to the department's report. She said the first car, also called a tub in the state report, came off the track, hit the ground and rolled. The other cars stayed on the track.
Oxley said the department inspected all the rides at the fair before it opened.
The final report noted training records for the ride operator weren't available at the time of the accident, but were later provided by James Burlingame, Pride Amusements owner.
The Wisdom Jungle Twist was operated by Fernando Martinez Colorado, according to the state report. Colorado's ride operator training documentation form was signed June 2. The form had 11 items listed under "tasks to be completed," and Colorado initials were next to each item. The trainer also initialed the report, according to the investigation.
No action was taken against Pride Amusements, Burlingame or Colorado, Oxley said Thursday.
Burlingame said Thursday the ride won't be used again by Pride Amusements. He called the accident unforeseeable. He said the company takes pride in its safety record.
"Carnivals in general want to provide the safest environment for their customers," he said.
Susan Koehler, fair manager, said Fair Board President Ashley Hays contacted the family after the accident. She said fair officials were referring questions about the incident to Pride Amusements.
"We don't know what the next steps might be, but we are pleased it was not more serious," she said.
NW News on 09/13/2019