Officials investigated the cause of a seat detachment on the octopus ride that resulted in injuries to two 14-year-old girls at the Ya Mo Khokri Festival in Korat. Experts are urgently repairing the ride and will reassess before deciding whether to resume service.
On 5 Mar 2016, reporters reported that after images circulated of an accident involving the octopus ride at the annual celebration of Lady Thao Suranari held at the field in front of the Khokri District Office, Nakhon Ratchasima, on the night of 4 Mar, the ride was damaged. This caused two 14-year-old female students to be injured and taken to the hospital for thorough medical examination.
When asked, Mr. Priwas Chailert, Khokri District Chief, who was on site at the time, said the incident occurred around 20:00 on 4 Mar. The ride was an octopus type, and initially it was found that one bolt on the seat had loosened and detached from its mount, causing the seat to tilt and hit the ground. This injured two girls, who were taken by officials present to Khokri Hospital for detailed examination. No bone fractures were found, only bruises and minor scrapes on their arms and legs. Doctors allowed them to rest at home, but as their families remained concerned, they were sent for further detailed examination and close monitoring at the provincial hospital, Maharat Hospital. All expenses are being covered by the ride owner and event organizers. After the incident, the District Chief ordered all rides to be suspended.
Later on the morning of 5 Mar 2016, the Director of the Engineering Division from Chae Subdistrict Municipality, police, local administrative officials, and local authorities jointly inspected the site. Preliminary findings showed some parts of the ride were damaged and required replacement. Specialists will be brought in to repair, fix, and replace all damaged and suspect components. Once repairs are complete, a local inspection committee will conduct a detailed reinspection before deciding whether to reopen the ride. Other rides, such as the carousel and Ferris wheel, were found to have no problems.