20 Hurt in Ohio Roller Coaster Mishap

Associated Press ^ | Jul 09 8:10 PM US/Eastern

[RushingWater]

A malfunction on an amusement park ride Sunday sent at least 20 people to hospitals, most with minor chest and neck injuries, a sheriff's office dispatcher said.

The accident happened on the Son of Beast roller coaster at Paramount's Kings Island just northeast of Cincinnati.

WCPO-TV reported that witnesses saw the roller coaster come to an abrupt stop.

Riders complained of discomfort after the coaster completed a circuit and pulled back into the boarding area, said Maureen Kaiser, a spokeswoman for the park. The park's emergency staff tended to the riders and notified authorities, Kaiser said.

Park officials shut down the ride and were examining it, Kaiser said.

The park's Web site describes the roller coaster as "the tallest, fastest and only looping wooden coaster on the planet" that hurtles down a 214-foot hill at more than 78 mph. The coaster, more than 7,000 feet long, features a 118-foot tall loop.

[Krodg]

I think the last coaster I ever rode at King's Island was the Cobra. It's the one with the tracks overhead and you are strapped in while standing. That thing took off and I slipped down in their restraints to just below my nose...not even a seat to pee in! Never again, if I want to live dangerously, I'll make cartoons.

[mysterio]

I never had the guts to ride the Cobra. It's gone now, too much maintenence. They have this one called the Face Off that almost made one of my thrill seeker "nothing makes me puke" buddies puke.

I almost puked just standing there watching. I wonder how many people get hit by flying vomit from those things every summer?

[Krodg]

I'll just have to read reviews...I ain't ever going back!!!