1,300 slides recalled because of amputation hazard

(L-R) Lightning Slide- single bedway slide, Double Lightning Slide, and an arrow pointing to a broken weld between bedway and sidewall. (Playworld Systems)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Playworld Systems Inc. is recalling 1,300 slides that are used in school and municipal playgrounds after a defect caused two finger amputations in children.

The Lightning Slides were sold by independent distributors over the last 16 years. They are made of stainless steel and the welds on the slides can crack and separate. A child's finger can get caught in the space.

The company said it is aware of 13 incidents of broken welds and two children who have suffered finger amputations.

Consumers were advised to stop using the recalled slides. They were sold to parks, schools and municipalities for between $1,500 through $4,000.

Playworld, based in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, is contacting consumers who purchased the slides directly. Buyers can get a free replacement.

For more information, consumers can call Playworld at 1-800-233-8404 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, send email to info@playworld.com or visit https://playworld.com/ and click on "Slide Recall Safety Information" for more information.