WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety commission
announces that it has authorized its staff to issue an administrative
Complaint against Miracle Recreation Equipment Co., of Grinnell,
Iowa, seeking repair, replacement, or refund of the purchase price of
approximately 12,000 Flying Animal Swings. The Complaint alleges
that Miracle's "Flying Animal Swing", a two, three, four, or six seat
swing, because of the weight, size, and composition of the individual
animal swing figures and because of a metal support tube which
projects to the rear of each swing, contains a defect which presents a substantial risk of injury to children.
The Complaint alleges that there have been seven (7) cases of
serious head injuries and one (1) fatality when children were struck
by the swing.
Until this matter is resolved, the Commission staff urges the
public not to use these swings which are found primarily on public
playgrounds around the country. The Flying Animal Swings may be
either a pony, seal, lion, or a squirrel.
The Commission's action was necessitated by Miracle's
unwillingness voluntarily to remedy this problem.
Miracle is currently conducting on-going recalls/repair programs
of its "Flying Wheels", "Flying Gym", "Bounce-Around Whirl", and
"Bukaroo Whirl".
Persons or municipalities who are aware of incidents involving
the "Flying Animal Swing" or are seeking other information regarding
this product should contact the CPSC toll-free hotline number at
800-638-CPSC.