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Oly broadcaster challenges claim in Rio

The official Olympic broadcaster has challenged a police investigation that says it was negligent when an overhead camera crashed to the ground in Rio.

The official Olympic broadcaster is contesting a Brazilian police investigation that says it was negligent when an overhead camera crashed to the ground three months ago and injured eight during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

The camera, suspended by cables, was being used by the Olympic Broadcasting Service to provide aerial shots of the main Olympic Park.

A Brazilian police report said five people were charged with "bodily injury" and "had the responsibility to prevent the result" that occurred.

It was not clear what punishment, if any, might be forthcoming.

OBS, in a statement, contested the findings and said the cables were cut by a "third party," but did not say if it believed the act was intentional.

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Three of those charged were employed by a contractor hired by OBS, one by OBS, and one was working with the local Olympic organising committee.

The report said the camera was originally suspended by three cables. It said one snapped, leaving the camera suspended by two cables for 45-60 minutes.

The Olympic broadcaster said it followed safety procedures set up by the local organizers, and called on Brazilian police to investigate further.

A Brazilian court impounded OBS equipment for a month after the Paralympic Games ended on September 18, which it said was to ensure any "compensation for possible damages to workers hired by OBS."

The Olympic broadcaster denied any illegality or irregularity during the Olympics or Paralympics.

Created by the International Olympic Committee, OBS is a company that produces and transmits live radio and television coverage from every venue during the Olympics.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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