ABC-7 I-Team takes a closer look at ride laws, requirements
An ABC-7 I-team investigation was prompted by an incident that left two teens injured at St. Anthony’s Bazaar on Sunday.
Two days after the incident, ABC-7 learned the Texas Department of Insurance is the agency that keeps records of rides, owners and operators. A spokesman said Barbara Tovar’s name is on the permit for the “Sidewinder” ride El Paso Police said the two 13-year-olds fell from. That spokesman said Tovar is in compliance with annual ride inspections and has provided proof of the required insurance of $1 million.
“Every consumer should look for a compliance sticker on an amusement ride. It’s required to be displayed prominently. Anyone who hires an amusement ride should also make sure that the operator is in compliance,” Jerry Hagins from TDI said. “State law requires an annual safety inspection. In addition to that, for mobile operators, the kind of amusement ride operations that travel they are required to inspect their rides daily to make sure their rides are working properly and they have to keep a record of that daily inspection.”
ABC-7 asked if there are any state mandates about who or how owners hire ride operators, and was told no. The day after the event wrapped up, just two rides remained in the seminary’s parking lot, one was “Sidewinder.” Once again, ABC-7 tried to reach out to someone from the seminary, as well as the inspector listed on the Texas Amusement Ride Compliance Sticker, but got no response.
When El Paso Police were asked who would ultimately be responsible if any charges are filed in the case, a spokesman said that they only work to determine if any criminal offense has occurred, and any criminal charges would depend on what the investigation uncovers, but liability is a civil matter.
