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State Orders Wilson Co. Fair Swing Ride Closed After Malfunction Injures 9
Nine people were injured and four were hospitalized after the Wave Swinger stopped and riders hit a fence, officials said.
On Wednesday night, nine people were injured after a ride malfunction at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon, with four requiring hospitalization. The incident involved the Wave Swinger attraction operated by Reithoffer Shows.
Reithoffer Shows stated the Wave Swinger stopped and, while descending, some riders contacted a surrounding fence. Guests received immediate professional medical attention at the fairgrounds after the malfunction.
Wilson County Promotions President Randall Clemons confirmed all four hospitalized individuals were released. Emergency responders treated the nine injured guests primarily for leg injuries.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued a cease-and-desist order for the Wave Swinger. Operation cannot resume until a third-party inspection occurs and the manufacturer confirms safety requirements.
Reithoffer Shows reported that a state inspector found "no abnormality" as of Thursday morning, though it remains uncertain if the Wave Swinger will resume operation before the fair ends Saturday.