An amusement park ride at a British Columbia touring fair has been closed following the death of a worker. The incident occurred during the opening night of the fair in Prince Rupert, where witnesses reported that a man was struck by the Zipper ride.

As investigations continue, Technical Safety B.C. announced that the Zipper ride will not operate during the fair's next stop in Terrace over the long weekend. The organization has issued specific safety instructions that must be followed before the carnival can resume operations.

"While the investigation into the Prince Rupert incident is ongoing, the safety officer has outlined the safety requirements that must be met before the carnival can be permitted to operate in Terrace over the long weekend," a statement from Technical Safety B.C. said.

In the wake of the tragedy, dozens of community members gathered at the fairgrounds in Prince Rupert for a healing ceremony to honor the deceased worker. The carnival company, Shooting Star Amusements, described the worker as a "dear close friend" and a "great man."

The Zipper ride, which features individual carts that rotate while the ride itself spins, will remain closed until further notice. Technical Safety B.C. has conducted interviews with witnesses and is leading the investigation, with assistance from WorkSafeBC and the B.C. Coroners Service.

The carnival was shut down in Prince Rupert after the incident, and ticket refunds were offered for the remaining days of the event. Originally scheduled to run for three days in Terrace, the fair's duration has been reduced to two days.

Witnesses reported that the worker had walked onto the deck of the Zipper ride while it was in operation, apparently to clean something, when he was struck. The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. PT on August 26.

Technical Safety B.C. continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the carnival company has been cooperating with the authorities.