Higher penalties for NC carnival ride accidents approved

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Maximum fines for carnival ride accidents in North Carolina would rise exponentially in legislation that’s now passed both chambers in one version or another.

The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday for a measure that increases the top civil penalties fivefold, reaching $5,000 per violation in some situations. The House approved different increases in March and must decide whether to accept the Senate’s changes.

The original legislation was filed in response to a ride accident at the 2013 North Carolina State Fair that injured several people, three critically. Both versions also create a new felony for violations causing serious injury or death.

The Senate also wants the state Labor Department to study the need for regulating zip lines. A 10-year-old girl died last month in a zip line accident in Alleghany County.

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