Han Ximin

1824295095@qq.com

A GOVERNMENT investigation team has identified 21 individuals responsible for the Happy Valley roller coaster collision that left 28 people injured Oct. 27 last year.

A report released to the public yesterday places the primary blame on the operator, Shenzhen Happy Valley Tourism Co. Ltd., citing negligence in implementing work safety measures and inadequate equipment maintenance.

The investigation team has recommended disciplinary actions for nine individuals and has called for a judicial investigation into the conduct of three others.

The roller coaster accident occurred when a car, carrying 22 riders, unexpectedly moved backward on the track and collided with another car that had 24 riders disembarking. The collision also resulted in a direct economic loss of 3.97 million yuan (US$558,881).

Following the accident, the city established an investigation team, which included five specialized equipment experts, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. The findings revealed that the negligence of Shenzhen Happy Valley Tourism Co. Ltd. played a pivotal role, particularly in overlooking work safety hazards and failing to fulfill work safety responsibilities.

The investigation disclosed that a fractured rear bolt brake plate in the launching area of the roller coaster car caused a significant lateral offset, preventing the car from reaching the top and causing it to slide backward due to gravity. This movement led to a collision between the permanent magnet and brake plate, resulting in the complete destruction of the permanent magnet and a subsequent failure of the braking system.

Shenzhen Runchang Entertainment Culture Group Co. Ltd., the maintenance company, was also implicated for concealing information in its self-examination report and attempting to evade responsibility in maintenance matters.

Luo, deputy general manager of Shenzhen Happy Valley Tourism Co. Ltd., Liu, manager of the equipment maintenance department of Shenzhen Happy Valley Tourism Co. Ltd., and Zhou, a technical support staffer from Shenzhen Runchang Entertainment Culture Group, have been referred to the judicial department for further investigation.

Administrative punishments have been meted out to five individuals, including Yue, general manager of Shenzhen Happy Valley Tourism Co. Ltd., and Peng, the legal representative of Shenzhen Runchang Entertainment Culture Group. Furthermore, four employees from China Special Equipment Inspection & Research Institute, Dalian Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspection and Testing Research Institute Co. Ltd., and Happy Valley Tourism Co. Ltd. have faced internal disciplinary measures.

The investigation team has demanded that Nanshan’s market supervision and cultural tourism administrations, the Shahe Subdistrict Office, and Shenzhen Happy Valley Tourism Co. Ltd. submit written self-criticism reports to their respective higher authorities.

Additionally, the Disciplinary Inspection Commission of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee has held nine government employees from three government organs accountable, ordering them to submit written self-criticism or face reprimands, administrative demerits, intra-party warnings, or criticism.