FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, December 21, 2007

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

JEFFERSON JUDGE ORDERS TESTING OF CABLE
IN JUNE INCIDENT AT KENTUCKY KINGDOM

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Jefferson Circuit Judge Barry Willett has selected IMR Metallurgical Services – Louisville to test the cable from the Kentucky Kingdom ride that injured a Louisville teen in June.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is investigating the incident on the Superman Tower of Power ride as part of its responsibility for inspecting amusement rides in Kentucky. The Department had sought to test the cable earlier this year, but the parties in a lawsuit surrounding the incident successfully petitioned the court for an injunction blocking the KDA from testing the cable until the plaintiffs and the defendants could agree on testing protocols and a firm to perform the test.

“We are pleased that Judge Willett has chosen a firm and has ordered that the cable be tested,” said Nicole Liberto, counsel for the KDA. “This will enable the Department to resume its investigation and bring it to a conclusion.”

Judge Willett’s order states that the testing shall be conducted at one of two accredited laboratories in Ohio to be selected by IMR.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is required by state law to inspect every amusement ride in the state at least once a year before it may be opened to the public. The Superman Tower of Power ride was inspected April 5 and was found to be operating normally.

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