State Rep. considers regulations for amusement rides

State Rep. considers regulations for amusement rides

March 16, 2004

By TIM MILLER
6 News Anchor/Reporter

PIGEON FORGE (WATE) -- After a woman's deadly fall from a Pigeon Forge amusement ride, there may be a legislative move to regulate ride safety. [ woman dies after fall ]

Pigeon Forge police officers Tuesday continued standing watch outside the Hawk, two days after 51-year-old June Carol Alexander's death. Chief Jack Baldwin said they'll be there until at least Wednesday, the earliest the investigation could be completed.

The manufacturer of the Hawk, Zamperla Rides, could finish its investigation into what happened on Wednesday. The Hawk is shaped like a ship. It rocks back and forth, climbing higher each time until it turns completely upside down.

Police are still considering witness accounts that Alexander fell while trying to get out of the ride when it started to move, 60 feet in the air. But they'll wait for word from Zamperla before officially determining what happened.

There are no state agencies that regulate or inspect amusement rides in Tennessee. But state Rep. Richard Montgomery, of Sevier County, told 6 News that needs to change.

"I know I'm going to be talking to some people to see what does regulate these rides and amusement parks. And see if there's anything we need to do, from the state level, to enact some laws," Montgomery said.

He also said he's also concerned any future accidents could hurt tourism in Pigeon Forge, and across the state.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, spring break vacationers Emily Love and Jane Evans went on other amusement rides on the Pigeon Forge parkway, before hearing about the accident on the Hawk.

Now, they say they might avoid future rides if there are no regular safety inspections. "So now when I go back to Texas, I'm going to be a lot more cautious," Evans said. "And I'm going to ask everyone, because I don't want that to happen to me."

Love added, "Well, it's a scary thing. I mean, you never know who it's going to happen to and it could've been me. I could not be here right now."

Chief Baldwin said that when the investigation is over, he'll send evidence to Sevier County District Attorney General Al Schmutzer. He also said there are no indications of anything suspicious or any criminal activity. But he wants to make sure nothing is overlooked.