Company Cited For Roller Coaster Malfunction at Bartow County Fair

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The company operating the Bartow County Fair has been cited for a malfunction that led to a roller coaster collapsing Thursday evening in Cartersville.

The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is overseeing the investigation into the incident, and the state has issued a citation to Florida-based S&T Magic Carnival, said Media Relations Director Glenn Allen.

"We are looking into potentially improper welding on the track as the cause of the collapse," Allen said.

At around 8 p.m. Aug. 25, the Orient Express roller coaster was operating with seven passengers on board -- its maximum load -- when part of the tracks collapsed.

Fortunately, there were several adults who braced the tracks and carts at the time of the incident, which allowed for the safe unloading of the passengers.

“They definitely aided in no injuries occurring," Allen said, noting the ride was manufactured in 1995.

Once the incident was reported, Hudgens dispatched his amusement/carnival ride investigators to the scene Friday morning. Allen said the probe resulted in state officials "red-tagging," or closing, four rides: the Orient Express, which has been dismantled; Music Express due to electrical issues; the Ferris wheel, which Allen said was "too close to a power line"; and the Drop Zone, which had an issue with one of its harnesses.

While the fair reopened Friday evening with a "good" number of patrons on hand, Allen stated those rides remain out of service until workers get the rides back into compliance. Additionally, state law require each amusement park ride to be inspected once they enter the state for the first time.

This particular carnival entered Georgia when it touched down in Snellville for an event, and was inspected on April 15.

The last day of the fair is Sunday, Aug. 28, according to the company's website.

Allen added the initial citation does not result in a fine, per Georgia law. However, additional citations can result in fines ranging from $750 to $5,000.

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Images via Glenn Allen