One week ago Saturday, area parents are wondering if a crash like the one in Spartanburg, SC that killed 6-year-old Benji Easler and injured more than 20 others could happen here.
We now know the state inspector did not see the train involved in the Spartanburg crash actually operate, although he cleared it to run. There are three other locomotives exactly like the one in the Upstate crash. They are shut down indefinitely.
In Myrtle Beach there are water parks, go cart tracks, even an amusement park. All have rides that need to be inspected and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Parents in Myrtle Beach are questioning safety on rides here.
"You might be very cautious of not even going to certain amusement parks,you know?" Lillie Sherrad says.
Family Kingdom amusement park off Ocean Boulevard has a train ride along with other larger roller coasters. It is not the same make as the one in Spartanburg. The park's manager, Donnie Sipes, declined an on camera interview but told Newschannel 15 via phone all of their rides are inspected each year before the park opens.
"Family Kingdom rides are scheduled for inspection the week of April 5th. The rides cannot operate until they are inspected and a permit is issued," Lesia Kudelka with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation said.
The park is scheduled to open for the season on April 9th.
"As a parent and as a grandparent, I definitely would not be taking my children there," Robin Schlefke says.
