Calaveras County Fair, Angels Camp, California, USA -

On May 16, 2008, a Yo-Yo Chair Ride at the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee in Angels Camp, California, had its arms collapse, injuring 23 people, mostly children, including one that sustained permanent neurological damage and will need lifelong care due to the accident. The ride had a damaged washer, which failed to hold some bolts in place, which in turn resulted in cap screws coming loose, causing the swinging arms to collapse. The parents sued on behalf of five severely injured children, and they recently settled for 3.375 million dollars.

The ride’s manufacturer, Chance Morgan, had another similar failure on a Yo-Yo ride at Six Flags over Texas, but did not warn anybody about any corrective measures to prevent further accidents. The 2006 accident injured nine people.

In the meantime, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has taken steps to prevent further Yo-Yo ride accidents. The organization asked any portable organizations that had the ride to place a metal plate over the problem bolts. However, the CPSC only can pressure companies that travel to install the plate, not permanent rides like the one at Six Flags over Texas. The CPSC has pressured Chance Morgan to fix all Yo-Yo rides.

Chance Morgan is entirely at fault, however. Harry Mason, who owns the ride, did not get certification or the required inspections for the ride. The state has said he was negligent for not maintaining it correctly.

The lawsuit was handled by attorney Robert Allard. The children involved were all physically and emotionally injured when they were dragged through dirt and gravel and slamming into metal fencing. We all wish them well and include these children in our prayers.