Death at La Ronde was preventable accident

The Vampire ride is one of the top attractions at La Ronde. (Image laronde.com)

Quebec's Workplace Health and Safety Board says the death of a plumber at La Ronde last summer was a tragic mistake that should not be repeated.

To that end the CSST is demanding the amusement park create a system that will prevent park staff from entering danger zones while rides are in operation.

The accident happened on July 6, 2012, when a plumber was struck in the head and killed by a roller coaster.

At the time park management said they did not know why the employee was in a restricted area, and police speculated the death was a suicide.

However the CSST investigation found it was anything but.

The employee had been ordered to replace a water pump on a ride. He ended up going to the wrong ride, and walking through a restricted area underneath the roller coaster.

The CSST determined the employee was likely unaware of just how risky being in the restricted area was, which led to his death.

In a written statement, park management said it disagreed with the conclusion of the report, pointing out the employee who died had been trained about entering restricted areas.

The CSST is ordering La Ronde and its parent company Six Flags to install locks and barriers that will prevent employees from entering danger zones while rides are in operation.

The agency is expected to fine the park an amount of between $15,420 and $61, 680.