RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina regulators have fined thrill ride operators more than $114,000 following a mishap at the 2013 State Fair that left five people injured, three of them critically.
The state Department of Labor announced the civil fines Wednesday following a lengthy investigation into the Oct. 24 accident with the Vortex ride.
Family Attractions Amusement of Valdosta, Ga., and ride owner Joshua Macaroni were fined more than $56,000. Ride operators Tim Tutterrow and Omar Toranzo were each fined $350.
Macaroni and Tutterrow already face felony charges over what prosecutors say was tampering with a safety switch that was supposed to keep the ride from moving unless patrons were properly secured.
Four patrons and a ride worker were injured when the Vortex suddenly lurched into motion, flinging them through the air.
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