Banzai ride reopens

The Banzai ride at the South Carolina State Fair reopened quietly and without fanfare just after 1 p.m. today, three days after six people sustained minor injuries when the ride malfunctioned Wednesday night.

The injuries ranged from minor cuts to a bruised shoulder after metal fragments broke loose from the ride and hit the six bystanders in the crowd on opening day. All six were treated at the fair’s first aid station and none required hospital treatment.

The ride had been closed since the incident, which took place shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday. Before it could reopen, workers with the department of Labor License and Regulation had to re-inspect it after the necessary repairs were made and clear it for operation.

The cause of the malfunction was not immediately available Saturday, but within minutes of its opening, the Banzai had a long list of riders waiting to get on.

The South Carolina State Fair has enjoyed a strong history of ride safety through the years, having never experienced a rider fatality.- Bertram Rantin

This story was originally published October 15, 2011 at 1:33 PM with the headline "Banzai ride reopens."