State Officials Propose Requiring New Thrill Ride Inspections

MADISON, Wis. -- State officials said that they will propose a new regulation requiring the inspection of all new permanent thrill rides before they open to the public.

They said that's consistent with current practice even though inspections aren't required under existing rules.

The state began scrutinizing the inspection program last summer after a 16-year-old girl fell to her death from a giant swing at a Christian music festival. Officials have said the accident happened after a worker failed to properly fasten the girl to the ride, which hadn't yet been inspected.

Bob DuPont, of the state Department of Commerce said that it will not require annual inspections of all rides. He said that the department wants to see how this summer goes before discussing that.