WorkSafe shuts down The Christchurch Show rollercoaster: Bolts seen ‘falling out’ of A&P show Cartoon Coaster

Loose bolts are shown at the Cartoon Coaster at The Christchurch Show, an annual A&P event in Canterbury. Photo / Supplied

A rollercoaster at a Canterbury A&P show has been shut down over safety concerns after people reported seeing “bolts falling out”.

WorkSafe shut down the Cartoon Coaster after sending safety inspectors to the site earlier today. The ride is part of the attractions at The Christchurch Show, an annual Agricultural and Pastoral Show (A&P Show).

“A ride at the Canterbury show has been taken out of action, after WorkSafe was alerted to loose parts that could endanger riders,” WorkSafe told the Herald.

“Following an on-site assessment today, a prohibition notice has been issued which prevents the Cartoon Coaster from being used until WorkSafe is satisfied that safety improvements have been made.”

People who attended the show claimed they saw bolts falling out of the fairground ride.

“Bolts were falling out of the rides,” one man claimed on social media.

Loose bolts are shown at the Cartoon Coaster at The Christchurch Show. Photo / Supplied

Loose bolts are shown at the Cartoon Coaster at The Christchurch Show, an annual A&P event in Canterbury. Photo / Supplied

“These bolts hold the arms for the rollercoaster track. One fell off completely during the time I watched and there were multiple loose bolts on other support arms.”

Images shared to a local Facebook page showed one bolt that had nearly worked free, and a bolt lying on the ground.

Another parent said: “I wouldn’t let me kids on half the rides even if they were free”.

The Christchurch Show spokesperson confirmed WorkSafe had been onsite.

“In the interests of public safety, the ride will be closed until WorkSafe is happy for it to re-open,” the spokesperson said. “Our No 1 priority is safety first.”

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.