PUBLIC SAFETY Adrenaline Drop closed following investigation...

PUBLIC SAFETY

Adrenaline Drop closed following investigation

Fair officials announced Thursday that the Adrenaline Drop, a

thrill ride that injured a woman, will leave the fair this year.

Officials said they decided they cannot fulfill several mandates the

state Department of Occupational Safety and Health requires before

the fair ends.

The Adrenaline Drop was closed on July 13, two days after the fair

opened when 30-year-old Aidyl Sofia-Gonzalez of La Canada Flintridge

plunged to a 110-foot free-fall untethered by bungee cords or

harnesses. She hit a 5-inch foam mat on the ground after the ride’s

nets failed to break her fall.

The extent of her injuries was not known, but Sofia-Gonzalez is

said to have left the hospital on crutches. State officials

investigating the incident issued a preliminary order on Thursday

listing seven separate requirements or changes that the operator must

make for the ride to resume safe operation, including installing a

switch and locking device for the hatch door from where the rider is

released.

Fair officials said they don’t know if the ride will return next

year. State officials are also investigating another incident that

also happened on July 13 on the Booster ride when a pin came loose

off the ride’s sign and hit 23-year-old Staci Tomack on the face. The

Northridge woman reportedly suffered facial injuries and underwent

surgery. The Booster resumed operating a day after the incident after

it was checked by a state inspector.

* The driver of a Porsche traveling at speeds near 100 mph on the

Costa Mesa Freeway on Tuesday night was killed after he lost control

of his car, which ended up smashing through a guard rail before

dropping down onto the San Diego Freeway, California Highway Patrol

officials said.

The driver was ejected from his vehicle and ended up on the

northbound side of the freeway where several cars struck him.

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at [email protected].