Expoland

Expoland, located in Suita, Japan was opened as the amusement zone at the International Exposition in 1970 (Expo '70) in Osaka and thrived for over 30 years as an amusement park. There were more than 40 rides and attractions (including 8 roller coasters[1]) and 19 restaurants and shops.

Expoland
Senyo VistaLiner of Expoland
Location1-１ Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka Prefecture 565-0826, Japan
Coordinates34.805628, 135.531955
Opened28 December 1969 (1969-12-28)
Closed9 December 2007 (2007-12-09)
StatusClosed

On May 5, 2007, Fujin Raijin II, the park's TOGO stand-up coaster, derailed, killing a 19-year-old university student from Higashiomi, Shiga and injuring an additional nineteen guests. Initial reports said that forty people were injured, with thirty-one being taken to hospital.[2] An investigation revealed that the ride derailed due to a broken axle. None of the ride vehicle's axles had been replaced for fifteen years.[3] Following this accident, similar coasters at other Japanese parks were voluntarily shut down and inspected to see if they could also have the same axle flaw.[4] Expoland was cited by authorities for faulty maintenance when similar axle cracks were found on a second train a month later.[5]

The park reopened after the accident but closed again on December 9, 2007, citing a lack of attendance. On February 9, 2009, its owners finally decided that the park was permanently closed down for good.[6]

References
  1. "Expoland (Suita, Osaka, Japan)". rcdb.com. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  2. "Female passenger dies after seats fall off roller coaster". Mainichi Interactive/MSN. 2007-05-05. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
  3. "Amusement park failed to replace axles of roller coaster in fatal crash for 15 years". Mainichi Interactive/MSN. 2007-05-07. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
  4. "Kumamoto amusement park shuts down roller coaster after deadly Osaka accident". Mainichi Interactive/MSN. 2007-05-07. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
  5. "Cracked axle found on roller coaster". Kazinform. 2007-06-25. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-06-26.
  6. "Expoland theme park gives up on revival, shuts doors for good after fatal accident". Mainichi Shimbun. 2009-02-10. Archived from the original on 2009-02-13. Retrieved 2009-02-10.

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