The Suva City Council is conducting its own internal investigation into the amusement ride malfunction at the Miss Hibiscus Festival and routine maintenance and safety inspections are carried out daily by the SCC staff to ensure that every ride and stall adheres to the required standards.
Chairman of the Miss Hibiscus Festival Committee, Opetaia Ravai says should any ride be found to be non-compliant during these inspections, it will be promptly closed until it meets all safety and operational requirements.
Ravai adds the ride malfunction prompted immediate action from the Miss Hibiscus Festival Committee.
The Committee reassures the public, routine maintenance and safety checks on all rides were conducted by the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and approved.
In light of the incident, a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause and to prevent future occurrences.
The affected ride has been temporarily closed until it meets all necessary safety and operational standards.
Ravai says their primary goal is to ensure that every memory created at the festival is positive and safe, and they deeply apologize to the parents and children affected by this incident.
Some parents were seen comforting their children after the incident, while some were seen arguing with the operator.
Ravai says the Miss Hibiscus Festival is a cherished tradition that celebrates our diverse and vibrant community, and they are committed to preserving its joyful spirit throughout the week-long festivities.
Day 4 of the Miss Hibiscus Festival continues with a Miss Hibiscus Touch Rugby tournament at 8am today at Albert Park in Suva.
Tonight is Pasifika Post Card at the Miss Hibiscus Festivals
Tonight the resonance team will take stage with their concert which features Johhny and Dee from 8pm to 10pm.
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