Amusement park shuts down following accident

The executive board of Ayia Napa’s Parko Paliatso amusement park has decided to shut down all operations following last week’s accident, vowing to reopen only after authorities confirm that all risks are eliminated.

On Friday night, a Russian woman and her young son were seriously injured after they were ejected from their seat on the park’s Star Flyer.

According to reports, on-site inspections revealed that their seat had struck a metal pole due to a possible human error by the operator, ejecting both mother and son and causing then serious injuries.

Police officers and labour officials who visited the site following the accident reportedly found no reason to suspend the amusement park’s operations, with the “Parko Paliatso Luna Park” continuing to operate the following day while the Star Flyer was out of order.

Officials said games and rides had been inspected and met all safety standards. But media reports later began to shift focus on the Star Flyer operator, who had been working there for two years. Some TV correspondents on-site learned the ride might have had the wrong speed at a critical slow-down moment that resulted to the seat striking a pole.

A day later, members of the park’s executive board decided to suspend operations, calling on local authorities to inspect the entire park before giving them a green light.

“Out of respect for the park’s history and especially the hundreds of thousands who honoured us with their visits, and until authorities confirm there isn’t even the slightest risk, the park will not be open to visitors,” the statement said.

The condition of the 44-year-old mother and her 7-year-old son was described as serious but media sources later said both were expected to make a full recovery. The administration of the amusement park has also offered to cover all medical expenses.

Police said they were still waiting to speak with the mother, whose statements would be key to learning how the horrific accident took place.