(From top) The Russian spinning wheel that collapsed on Tuesday evening, the broken portion of the joyride (circled) and a technical team at the accident site on Wednesday. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Dec. 5: The district administration here today banned operations of several joyrides, including the Russian spinning wheel, which was introduced for the first time at Bali yatra this year.

The ban was imposed after many joyrides failed to pass a fitness test conducted by a technical committee.

“We have decided to stop operation of the Russian spinning wheel, besides several giant wheels, as the technical committee has found some deficiencies in them,” said sub-collector J.P. Das.

The committee today conducted a detailed examination of safety standards of various joyrides following a mishap in which a couple and their child sustained injuries while enjoying a ride last night.

Sujit Choudhry, his wife Sangita Choudhry and their 10-year-old son Yash fell from a height of nearly 10ft after a portion of an iron rod, which was fitted to the sitting chair of the Russian spinning wheel, collapsed. The incident occurred around 10.30pm yesterday. Sujit fractured his right thigh while Sangita and her son Yash escaped with minor bruises.

“I was sitting with my parents and we fell as our chairs collapsed just after taking just two rounds,” said Yash.

District administration officers said adequate safety measures were being adopted. Sources said the bar of the chair of the Russian spinning wheel might have collapsed due to rust.

“We have already asked the technical team to carry out a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the mishap. If the team finds any deficiency on part of the operators of the joyride, action will be taken against them,” the sub-collector said.

Police officers said three workers had been detained, while the owner of the Russian spinning wheel, Anadi Sahu, has been absconding after the accident.