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Safety probes keep crash rides closed
TWO iconic Blackpool rides have been forced to remain closed while investigations into accidents are carried out.
The Big Dipper at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the Crazy Frog on Central Pier remain closed after passengers were injured.
The Big Dipper has been closed since August 11, when two cars crashed into each other.
Firefighters and paramedics scaled 20ft on to the ride to treat more than 30 people.
The crash saw 21 people taken to hospital and an investigation has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive.
It is not yet known what caused the collision.
One man suffered facial injuries, while the others had back and neck pain.
A spokesman for the HSE said: "Investigations are still going on at the site, the cause has not been established yet.
"A prohibition notice has been put on the ride, which mean it cannot start to operate again until repairs have been carried out and the HSE is satisfied with those."
Health and safety officers have also been inspecting the Crazy Frog ride, on Central Pier, for the past three weeks after one of the arms of the ride broke free and two passengers were injured.
The incident, which happened just after 10.30pm, on July 29, forced 15 people off the machine and meant it was closed immediately.
Only one of the two women hurt was on the ride at the time of the incident. She was trapped by the arm and treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital.
A second woman was hit by flying debris from the collapsed ride and was treated for cuts to her leg at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Paul Fairclough, operations executive, of Six Piers, said: "We are awaiting the HSE report.
"The Crazy Frog will remain closed until the investigation is concluded."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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