BEECH GROVE (WTHR) - The Beach Grove Fall Festival is moving forward, but the Scrambler ride is closed after a metal bar fell off Wednesday night, injuring a rider.
The ride passed its annual state inspection in the spring. State inspectors re-examined the mechanical and safety systems, as well as maintenance and other records kept by the amusement company, Poor Jack Amusements.
"Everything was compliant," said Beech Grove Fire Chief Rob Cheshire.
But Beech Grove isn’t taking any chances.
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"We asked Poor Jack's to take it out of service for the rest of the festival...in the interest of public safety," said Chief Cheshire.
Last night, Amanda Gasper was recording her son and mother riding the Scrambler. Seconds later it was nearly tragic.
A metal bar full of electrical lights apparently snapped free and fell, hitting a 17-year-old rider in the face. A witness says he was trying to protect his girlfriend.
"The boyfriends were toppling over all the girls trying to save them," said Andrea Stevens, witness.
The young man's injuries appeared to be minor.
The owners of the Poor Jack Amusements didn’t want to discuss the accident. The family-owned company has been in business for decades. It’s been part of Beech Grove’s festival for 39 years and never had a problem until now. The ride was built in the 1950s, according to the report.
"We’ve always had a great working relationship with Poor Jack's in the area of public safety," said the chief.
The teenager's mother says he's okay, but declined to elaborate.
State inspectors spot-checked the other rides as a precaution.
The Scrambler is closed. It's expected to be taken down later Thursday night.
