Expoland
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Expoland, located in Osaka, Japan, was opened as the amusement zone at the International Exposition in 1970(Expo '70) and thrived over 30 years as an amusement park. There are more than 40 rides and attractions, 19 restaurants and shops.
On May 5, 2007, 19-year-old Yoshino Kogawara from Higashiomi, Shiga was killed and nineteen other guests injured when the Fujin Raijin II derailed at Expoland in Suita, Osaka. Initial reports said that forty people were injured, with thirty-one being taken to the hospital.[1] An investigation revealed that the ride derailed due to a broken axle. None of the ride vehicle's axles had been replaced for fifteen years.[2] Following this accident, similar coasters at other Japanese parks were voluntarily shut down and inspected to see if they could also have the same axle flaw.[3] Expoland was cited by authorities for faulty maintenance when similar axle cracks were found on a second train a month later.[4]
The park reopened after the accident, but closed again on the 9th of December 2007, citing a lack of customers. It is currently undergoing major renovations.
[edit] References
- ^ "Female passenger dies after seats fall off roller coaster", Mainichi Interactive/MSN, 2007-05-05. Retrieved on 2007-05-07.
- ^ "Amusement park failed to replace axles of roller coaster in fatal crash for 15 years", Mainichi Interactive/MSN, 2007-05-07. Retrieved on 2007-05-07.
- ^ "Kumamoto amusement park shuts down roller coaster after deadly Osaka accident", Mainichi Interactive/MSN, 2007-05-07. Retrieved on 2007-05-07.
- ^ "Cracked axle found on roller coaster", Kazinform, 2007-06-25. Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
[edit] External links
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