Sunway Lagoon roller coaster malfunctioned before sudden stop, says S’gor DOSH
PETALING JAYA: The roller coaster at Sunway Lagoon involved in an incident that left 10 people injured was believed to have suffered a “sliding failure” (kegagalan meluncur) before coming to an abrupt stop, says the Selangor occupational safety and health department (DOSH).
Selangor DOSH said its preliminary investigation found that the ride had been operating normally before the malfunction occurred about 200m from the disembarkation point.
“This triggered the automatic emergency braking system, causing the ride to stop suddenly,” it said in a statement today.
“Ten passengers were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment for injuries caused by the impact of the sudden stop.”
Selangor DOSH said it had issued a prohibition order at the site to allow the Putraajya DOSH’s forensic engineering division to carry out further technical inspection to determine the cause of the incident.
“Further investigations are also being conducted, including calling the employer and witnesses to provide statements,” it said.
The investigation is being carried out under Section 18(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, which requires occupiers of workplace premises to take practicable steps to protect the safety of non-employees using the premises. Those found guilty of breaching the provision face a maximum fine of RM500,000.
Sunway Group founder Jeffrey Cheah said yesterday the authorities were investigating the incident, which he said might have been caused by metal fatigue.
He said the police ruled out foul play in the incident, which occurred at about 9pm and involved 22 local and foreign visitors aged between 11 and 44. No deaths were reported.
