Increased Safety Precautions Keep Fair Ride Closed

Dallas, TX -- The Wildcat steel roller coaster at the State Fair of Texas will remain closed this year, after the manufacturer failed to complete some requested modifications.

Fair officials did not declare the roller coaster as unsafe during a recent inspection, but instead they decided to keep the roller coaster closed as a precaution.

According to a fair ride safety inspector, the manufacturer was unable to complete a modification to the electrical system that would prevent the cars from colliding.

The State Fair of Texas has had an excellent safety record in recent years, according to spokesperson Nancy Wiley. The last ride accident resulting in a death was 16-years ago.

The decision to keep the ride closed was partly in reaction to this summer's highly publicized ride accidents at various amusement parks across the country.

The State Fair of Texas runs now through October 17.