Carnival Worker's Fatal Accident: Safety Measures Needed

0:00A new report from Technical Safety BC reveals how a carnival worker died at the Prince Rupert Summer Carnival last August. Robert James Nicherson, from Halifax, was likely picking up dropped coins with a magnetic broom when he stepped into the path of the zipper ride. The incident happened around 10.30 pm on August 26, 2025, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The foreman operating the ride had turned his back for a few seconds to answer questions from fairgoers. At that moment, the ride was still moving, perpendicular to the ground, and Nicherson moved underneath it. When the foreman resumed the cycle, a passenger car struck him and the operator heard a noise before finding him on the ground. The tragedy shipped the small northern BC community, where multiple witnesses saw it happen. Carnival organizers shut down the event early and offered refunds for the remaining days. Examples held memorials, drum circles, and ceremonies to honor Nicherson, remembering him as a kind and helpful person.

1:01Investigators pointed to several issues, like poor communication between attendants and operators during ride motion, and not enough barriers, separating crowds from the equipment. The zipper ride dated back to 1973 and moved at about 3 meters per second. The company has since taken it out of service. This case highlights the need for stricter safety steps at traveling carnivals and technical safety BC. Continues to oversee rides across the province to prevent future losses. Stay informed with Canada News today, AI-powered updates.