Aday after 10 kids sustained injuries at Eco Park, New Town, following collapse of a jumping balloon, a joyride, the state government on Monday suspended all kinds of joyrides for an indefinite period till further order.
A probe committee has been set up to investigate any lacunae in safety measures, if any, from the authorities concerned. Moreover, HIDCO, which maintains the ECO Park, has been asked to submit a report to the state urban development ministry on the condition of all the joyrides are in operation there.
“All the joyrides at ECO Park has been suspended till further orders. HIDCO authorities has been asked not to give permission to any contractor for installation of any joyride without obtaining the required approval from the state government. A probe committee has been set up to investigate any negligence on the part of the contractor concerned, responsible for running the show there,” Firhad Hakim, state urban development minister said.
On Sunday, at least 10 kids were injured when the “jumping balloon” they were riding in was tossed aside after a strong wind had blown. The kids flung a few meters away on a concrete road sustaining serious injuries. Two of them were seriously injured.
“I along with my brother and others were having fun when a strong wind blew the jumping balloon away, catching us off guard. We fell from the joyride and my lip was badly bruised and had to undergo four stitches. For this I am not being able to eat anything,” said Ipshita, a resident of Dum Dum who got injured in the incident.
Ryan, a kid who had sustained serious head injuries, had to be put on ventilation at a private city hospital. Other five children had been admitted to Appollo Hospital.
Sundays’ incident had exposed the abject apathy of the authorities concerned responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the joyrides in operation there. As many as 12 private companies have been engaged by the HIDCO to maintainthe ECO park.