Circus equipment collapses at South Carolina State Fair

Columbia, S.C. (WACH) – A scary incident during a circus act at the state fair this weekend has brought attention to the safety of all equipment inside the circus arena, as well as the seventy rides that can be seen throughout the grounds.

State fair representatives say a bolt from a big wheel detached, sending it in the air during a performance Saturday.

The fair’s general manager Nancy Smith says the incident has staff throughout the grounds on high alert, working to inspect equipment in all vicinities.

“It caused [the big wheel] to slide a little to the left. The gentleman that was on that big wheel was able to jump off. All safety precautions were in place, and nobody was hurt,” said Smith. “The folks in the circus, they are their own company, and they have been in this circus business for years and years. They carry extra equipment with them, and they do the inspections as well.”

Blake Hoston who is the vice president for North American Midway, the company in charge of the rides across the fair grounds, says staff take inspections very seriously.

“We had a third-party inspector here. It consisted of a group of five guys that were here inspecting all the rides,” Hoston told WACH FOX News Monday. “We’re putting our hands on every piece of equipment every time it goes and comes down – we’re taking care of the equipment.”

Representatives with the state fair also say that the best way visitors can help boost their safety at the fair is to make sure children comply with the height requirements for each ride, and wear closed toe shoes.