PNE reopens 'The Beast' after cautionary closure

The Pacific National Exhibition whichoperatesPlayland Amusement Park has reopened The Beast rideafter it was taken out of circulation on Thursday for a more thorough inspection.

The PNE said Fridayin a statementthat following rigorous additional inspections by operators, the park has decided to reopen the ride.

The decision to halt the ridewas made after the PNE learned ofaride accident Wednesdayin Ohio, involving a similarattraction providedby the same manufacturer, KMG.

The thrill ride at the Ohio State Fair came apart a few hours after being assembled and inspected for the first time, the Associated Press reported.

The Associated Press saidthe opening day wreck killed a high school student who recently enlisted in the marinesand injured seven other people.

The ride's manufacturerresponded by asking all operators of the same attraction around the world to stop using the ride until an investigation explainswhat happened.

"The regulations overseeing ride operations in British Columbia are some of the most progressive in the world.InPlayland,all of our rides are inspected by the B.C. Safety Authority prior to the opening of the season," PNE spokespersonLauraBallancesaid.

The PNE says The Beast has been carefully monitored and inspected since it was purchased.

"The Beast ride was purchased new from manufacturer KMG of the Netherlands, assembled at Playland where it underwent diligent inspections and testing prior to opening in 2015. It continues to have twice daily inspections prior to each operating day and two annual inspections by a third-party industry contractor."

RAW: Extreme new ride at Playland

9 years ago

Duration 1:37

Watch CBC Radio's Margaret Gallagher give 'The Beast' a spin

With files from The Associated Press