Report: Ferris wheel had worn out rivets

Nashville, Tenn. — A fair ride operator has received permission to renew running its rides at Tennessee fairs — other than a Ferris wheel that dropped three girls to the ground.

The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced the decision late Friday to allow Family Attractions Amusement to resume operations.

Inspectors hired by the company and the Greene County Fair found that rivets on the gondola carrying the girls had come loose.

The Ferris wheel, which inspectors say was correctly assembled at the site, is being sent back to the manufacturer.

The Greenville Sun says 6-year-old Briley Jae Reynolds, who has been listed in critical condition for four days, has been upgraded to serious condition. Two other girls have been released from the hospital.