PNE organizers shut down ‘The Beast’ as a precaution
Posted July 27, 2017 10:04 am.
Last Updated July 27, 2017 3:57 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Operators of Playland want you to know a ride here, similar to the one involved in that deadly accident in Ohio, is safe.
The PNE however, has decided to temporarily shut down the ride as a precaution.
“The regulations overseeing ride operations in British Columbia are some of the most progressive in the world. In Playland, all of our rides are inspected by the BC Safety Authority prior to the opening of season,” says PNE spokesperson Laura Ballance.
“Additionally, each ride at Playland is inspected daily by our ride technicians, as well as our operations teams, and we are very confident in the safety of all our rides,” adds Ballance.
“The safety of our guests is our number one priority so we have made the decision to do supplemental inspections of The Beast today.”
She says “The Beast” is made by the same manufacturer, but the likenesses end there.
“The ride in question at the Ohio State Fair is a traveling ride and a much smaller version of the ride that we have. The ride at Playland is the only one of its kind in Canada. It’s a bit of an ‘apples to oranges’ situation, although the manufacturer is the same they are very, very different rides.”
She then discussed some of the differences between the rides.
“It’s similar to a car being made by the same manufacturer, but it’s obviously not the same car. Our ride is a permanent structure. It was purchased three years ago, it was a brand new ride. It was assembled at Playland.”
She adds “The Beast,” is also inspected twice a day.
