Sunway Lagoon ride halted as safety probe seeks to protect public - DOSH

Safety authorities are investigating the cause of a recent roller coaster incident at Sunway Lagoon, which halted operations after injuring 10 passengers. The Selangor Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has initiated a technical and forensic examination to determine if mechanical or other safety issues could pose a risk to future riders.

Last Saturday, the roller coaster, carrying 22 passengers, stalled about 200 metres from the launch area after operating normally. The failure triggered the ride's emergency braking system, causing the attraction to come to an abrupt stop. Ten passengers were treated for minor injuries at nearby hospitals.

DOSH issued a prohibition order, preventing the ride from operating while investigations are conducted to establish the cause and ensure the attraction meets safety requirements. Technical and forensic examinations will be performed by the DOSH Putrajaya Forensic Engineering Division, and investigators are also taking statements from the employer and witnesses.

The probe is being conducted under Section 18(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, with authorities prioritizing public safety. Sunway Group founder Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah stated that metal fatigue may have contributed to the failure, although this has not been confirmed by investigators. Police have ruled out foul play, and the ride had undergone comprehensive inspection and maintenance two to three weeks prior to the incident.

The ongoing investigation aims to determine if additional repairs, inspections, or safety measures are required before the attraction can resume operations. This case underscores the importance of rigorous and ongoing safety checks for high-speed amusement rides, where mechanical failures can quickly expose numerous members of the public to injury.