Reality Check of Vadodara’s Dangerous Fair: Exposed Electrical Wires and Malfunctioning Rides at Royal Fair; 23 Rides Approved Instead of 13
At the Royal Fair near Lalbaug Bridge in Vadodara city last night, two doors of a helicopter ride opened, causing four children to fall to the ground. Following the incident, the police immediately sprang into action.
This morning, a team from Source visited the site where the accident occurred, witnessing shocking scenes. The Royal Fair has been temporarily shut down following the incident. The police have filed charges against the fair’s operator, manager, and ride operator, and all three have been arrested.
Safety Lapses at Vadodara’s Royal Fair: Two Children Cramped into One Seat in Helicopter Ride
Following the boat accident in Harni, Vadodara, and the fire incident at the Rajkot Game Zone, it seems the authorities remain in a deep slumber when it comes to safety. At the Royal Fair in Vadodara, it has come to light that the organizers failed to maintain proper safety standards. After the incident on December 25, 2024, Source conducted a reality check of the Royal Fair. It was found that the helicopter ride, where the children were seated, had two doors that could easily open if the boxes were pulled.
Additionally, the steering mechanism, which was supposed to secure the children, was malfunctioning and could potentially harm them. Moreover, the ride did not provide adequate space for the children. In a seat designed for one child, two children were made to sit, posing serious safety risks.
Poor Condition of Rides at Vadodara’s Royal Fair Raises Safety Concerns
Despite the poor condition of several rides, permission was granted for them to operate. Some rides were found to be in a deteriorated state, and there was no safety mechanism in place for children using them. These rides are at risk of breaking down at any moment.
This raises the question of how such rides were allowed to operate in the first place. After the incident at the Royal Fair, several rides were inspected by the organizers today. Following the inspection, repairs will be made, and efforts are being made to cover exposed electrical wires and ensure safety measures are put in place.
Father Describes Injuries to His Son in Helicopter Ride Incident
Jayesh Bhaliya, the father of the injured child and a resident of Panigate Police Station, shared his account of the incident. He explained that he had placed his son on the helicopter ride when suddenly the ride began to overspeed.
He rushed to the scene and pulled the electrical wires, which stopped the ride. However, before that, the children had fallen, with his son being the first to drop. His son sustained injuries to his head and legs. Jayesh immediately took his son to their family doctor for treatment.
Negligence of Operator, Manager, and Ride Operator in Royal Fair Incident
DCP Julie Kothiya stated that following the complaint filed by the father of the injured child, Jayesh Bhaliya, a case has been registered, and an investigation has been launched into the incident at the Royal Fair. The negligence of the fair’s operator, manager, and ride operator has been noted, and they have been brought in for questioning at the police station.
A committee review is currently underway, and legal action will be taken against all responsible parties. Once the inspection report is received, further action will be determined. All necessary approvals were obtained for the Royal Fair from relevant authorities. The inspection report will highlight any deficiencies. Four rides are under scrutiny regarding their permission, and the investigation will determine if these rides were eligible for approval.
Arrest of Accused in Royal Fair Incident in Vadodara
In connection with the ride accident at the Royal Fair in Vadodara, the following individuals have been arrested: Nileshbhai Hasmukhlal Turkiya, the owner of the Royal Fair (currently residing at B-501, Memorium Apartment, Woods Villa, Manjalpur, Vadodara, originally from 102, Savan Sign Apartment, Jalaram 150 Foot Road, Kohinoor Apartment, Rajkot); Yunus Mamadbhai Rouwma, the ride operator (currently residing near Lalbaug Bridge in the Royal Fair compound, Vadodara, originally from Plot No. 1, Street No. 1, Sukh Sagar Society, Bhagwatipara Main Road, Rajkot); and Hemraj Devidas Maratha, the manager (currently residing at M. No. 63, Ashish Park Society, Tarsali, Vadodara). Further investigation has been initiated.
Organizer Added Extra Rides Without Permission, Says Vadodara Municipal Chairperson
Dr. Sheetal Mistry, the Chairperson of Vadodara Municipal Corporation, stated that the police had informed them that the Royal Fair was granted permission after a thorough inspection of the rides.
However, after receiving the approval, the organizer added additional rides without proper authorization. A police complaint has been filed regarding this matter, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.
Social Activist Claims Child Safety Compromised at Vadodara’s Royal Fair
Social activist Atul Gamechi stated that after the Harni Board accident in Vadodara and the Rajkot fire incident, the government introduced new regulations. However, he questioned whether these regulations were being followed at the Royal Fair in Vadodara.
He highlighted that many rides had exposed electrical wires and were placed in very congested areas, creating safety hazards. He suspected corruption may have been involved and emphasized that children’s lives were being put at risk. Gamechi called for the immediate closure of the Royal Fair.
