Norwalk Ride Malfunction Under Investigation

The owner of a swing ride at a Connecticut fair that malfunctioned and injured 18 people said workers will disassemble the equipment to see if they can determine what happened.

Richard Stewart, of Trumball-based Stewart Amusement Co., said on Monday that the drive system of the "Zumur" swing ride locked up for some reason.

The swings, which hang by metal chains, bumped into one another and into part of the ride when the system froze, but no one fell, he said.

“Preliminary investigation is that the Zumur swing ride suffered a mechanical malfunction at the Norwalk Oyster Festival. Our first and only concern is for the well-being of those involved and their families. We are continuing to cooperate with authorities as they investigate into the root cause of the accident,” the company said in a statement.

The riders suffered minor injuries on Sunday at the Oyster Festival in Norwalk. Police said 12 children and an adult were taken to hospitals and all have since been discharged. Five people refused treatment.

Stewart said the 1983 ride had no previous problems and authorities inspected it before the fair began Friday.