A 38-year-old man was critically injured at a Mason, Ohio, amusement park Wednesday night after being hit by a roller coaster.
The man had entered a restricted, fenced area of the Kings Island theme park near the Banshee roller coaster “and is believed to have been struck by the ride” around 8 p.m., a spokesperson for the park said in a statement.
The park’s safety and first aid workers responded at the scene, and the man was transported to the hospital.
As of Thursday morning, police said the man remained in critical condition.
A witness said the man told a park employee he had lost something on the ride and needed to go back to get it, according to Cincinnati ABC affiliate WCPO.
The employee reportedly said he would not be able to do anything until the ride closed, but the man continued to wander in the ride’s vicinity and eventually passed through a restricted gate, WCPO reported.
The Banshee rollercoaster is seen at Kings Island, June 19, 2024, in Mason, Ohio.
WCPO
The witness told WCPO the man had been dressed in clothing similar to park staff, so some had thought he was an employee.
The Banshee roller coaster will remain closed while officials investigate the incident, the park spokesperson said.
“Kings Island’s focus continues to be on the welfare of the guest and his family,” they said.
An Ohio amusement park was the scene of a terrifying accident recently when a man was critically injured after being struck by a roller coaster. The incident occurred at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, one of the most popular and well-known amusement parks in the country.
According to reports, the man was struck by the roller coaster while it was in motion. Witnesses say that he appeared to be trying to retrieve something that had fallen onto the tracks when he was hit. The force of the impact caused him to be thrown several feet and he suffered serious injuries as a result.
Emergency responders were quickly called to the scene and the man was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is currently listed in critical condition. The incident has raised concerns about safety at amusement parks and has prompted an investigation into what exactly went wrong.
Cedar Point officials have released a statement expressing their concern for the injured man and his family. They have also stated that they are cooperating fully with authorities as they investigate the incident. The roller coaster involved in the accident has been temporarily shut down while the investigation is ongoing.
Accidents at amusement parks are rare, but when they do occur, they can have serious consequences. It is important for visitors to always follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by park staff. It is also crucial for amusement park operators to regularly inspect and maintain their rides to ensure they are safe for guests.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, our thoughts are with the injured man and his loved ones. We hope for a speedy recovery and that this serves as a reminder of the importance of safety at amusement parks.
