Lightwater Valley closes ride after Ohio tragedy

The Eagle's Claw, Lightwater Valley. Credit: Paul Harrop

Lightwater Valley theme park in North Yorkshire has closed its Eagle's Claw ride as a precaution after an 18-year-old man died and three others were critically injured when they were flung from the ride at the Ohio State Fair in America last week.

The ride, known as the KMG Afterburner, spins passengers while swinging in a pendulum motion.

Lightwater Valley voluntarily closed the ride immediately after hearing about the accident in Ohio.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has served enforcement notices on another five rides operating in the country, taking them out of use until checks have been made.

The other rides are at:

  • Pleasure Wood Hills – East Anglia

  • Ryan Crow Amusements - North East

  • Coney Beach Fair - South Wales

  • Joseph Manning – based in Hertfordshire

  • Brean Theme Park – Somerset