The operator of the fatal “Crazy Dance” ride at the Halkidiki amusement park, where a 19-year-old lost his life, spoke about what happened on the night of August 19.

“I was shocked. It’s a very difficult thing. My condolences to the child’s parents. I was scared because it was the first time I had seen something like this in my life… I also feel guilty. The child’s death was unjust. I am not to blame, but still, my condolences to the parents,” the operator told Mega.

He added that he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the tragedy.

“I just went to earn a living to support my child. There were some blue and yellow seats, only the pink ones were working, and that day the children sat in the blue ones. I had been told to place people only in the pink seats, so I changed the seats for the children. The speed was normal. I had been told it should be between 50 and 60 at most. When the mother said ‘slow down,’ I went to lower it and saw the child in the air,” he said.

“I was in shock. I was scared at that moment; they told me to leave because they would lynch me. It was said by the person who has been working with him for years (i.e., the owner’s associate). I left behind the park, drank water, calmed down. I returned and they said I should go home so no one would see me. I went home, and at that moment, I was told to pack my things and be taken to Kilkis and hide for 48 hours.”

The 21-year-old operator added that he did not know the condition of the equipment: “If I had noticed, I wouldn’t have gone on the rides at all. I didn’t know anything,” he emphasized.

Amusement Park Provided Declarations Instead of Safety Certifications

It is noted that on the morning of Monday, the father of the unfortunate Giannis went to the courthouse in Polygyros, Halkidiki. According to information, Mr. Kabaïlis, along with the lawyers representing the family, submitted documents showing that the amusement park operated illegally this year and provided declarations instead of the legally required certifications.

Specifically, as indicated by the documents—five declarations published by protothema.gr—the recipient is the Municipality of Kassandra, and the signatory is a mechanical engineer. These declarations also concern the safety conditions of the installations.

“An inspection was conducted for the proper erection of the metal structures, a visual check of the mechanical equipment and hydraulic systems, as well as checking the equipment and proper grounding,” states a document dated May 3, 2024, signed by the mechanical engineer. It is notable that the document adds, “The facility meets all technical and safety standards and can operate for the public without electrical risks.”

Another declaration with the same date states that “all necessary measures have been taken for the safe operation of the facility and the safety of spectators and workers,” with the declarations also covering the “Crazy Dance” ride from which 19-year-old Giannis was thrown and lost his life instantly. This declaration highlights that “the responsibility for the proper functioning and maintenance of the facility lies with the owner of the facility.”

According to the technical inspection report, the issuance date is December 21, 2023, with the technical inspection conducted on August 4, 2023, and the next scheduled for April 2024. However, it is reported that the amusement park operated with declarations and not with certifications, as the technical inspection had not been carried out.

Statements from the Father of the 19-Year-Old

In statements made before entering the courthouse, the father of the 19-year-old told reporters that he would deliver to the prosecutor all documents proving the inadequacy of the ride that led to his son’s death.

“Today we believe we will convince the prosecutor to proceed with all necessary charges. My son follows me (i.e., the son who is next to him and was with the unfortunate 19-year-old). He is the only one who knows what happened. I will submit all documents that additionally prove the involvement of people and situations. Many of them. Be patient, and we will soon see the prosecutor,” said Mr. Kabaïlis.

According to the father of the 19-year-old, he possesses documents proving there was cooperation between the Municipality of Kassandra and the 58-year-old businessman who operated the amusement park.

Intervention by the Appeals Prosecutor

Meanwhile, the head of the Thessaloniki Appeals Court, Nikos Kallidis, has intervened, requesting that the Polygyros prosecutor take over the ongoing investigations related to the amusement park and the events that occurred there, concerning the death of 19-year-old Giannis in Pefkochori, Halkidiki.

According to information, the investigation includes the accident, the operating status and licensing of the business in previous years, as well as the certificates and certifications for the suitability of the equipment in recent years. Additionally, investigations continue, and all information will be added to the case file.