Stunt show charges withdrawn

Thursday 16 September 2004

The Department of Labour’s occupational safety and health service has withdrawn charges against the organisers of a stunt show that went wrong in Invercargill last April.

OSH was to prosecute the organisers of the On the Edge stunt show, and the person in charge of setting off the pyrotechnics, after 10 spectators were injured when windows at the Ascot Park Raceway grandstand were blown out at the end of the show.

But OSH Southland service manager John Pannett said additional information provided by an expert witness had now raised doubts as to whether there was a realistic prospect of securing a conviction. "As a result of a review, OSH has withdrawn the charges laid, and informed the most seriously injured spectators of the decision not to proceed with a prosecution."

Mr Pannett said it was regrettable that some people suffered injury as a result of attending the show. OSH is currently working with the Environmental Risk Management Authority to set new guidelines for the safe use of pyrotechnics in public displays.