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Amusement Safety News and Alerts

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Updated Ride Injury/Safety Alerts

 

We've received various ride injury/safety complaints and concerns. The Park Safety News and Information Database will go live Monday the 28th of May. In the mean time, though, we'll post randomly selected injury/safety complaints and concerns.

 

Thank you for all the support, seems this year is starting off strong. Safety issues and injuries appear to be down so far, hopefully this continues.

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Ride Injury/Complaint Summary Notes

Green Lantern

Injury

Neck and back pain due to ride forces.

Female rider indicated sitting in outside seat.

 

Disneyland

Ride Injury/Complaint Summary Notes

Indiana Jones

 

Injury

 

 

Neck pain due to ride forces. Rider indicated several sudden stops caused neck spasms.

Various signs throughout ride state ride has sudden stops. Male rider did say he didn't think much of them and rode anyways.

 

Knott's Berry Farm

Ride Injury/Complaint Summary Notes

Silver Bullet

 

Injury

 

 

Blacked out during ride and lost feeling in their legs.

Male rider indicated that he had been drinking night before and this was his first ride of the day.


Tuesday, May 15th, 2012


Monday, May 14th, 2012


Thursday, May 10th, 2012


Wednesday, May 9th, 2012


Tuesday, May 8th, 2012


Monday, May 7th, 2012


Friday, May 4th, 2012

We get a lot of consumer inquiries pertaining to state amusement ride safety office contact information. Consumers, we found, just want to be followed up with, which for some states we found is asking too much. While other states were willing to assist in any way they could.


This is not a popularity contest or a ranking of state agencies. Merely the results consumers had with the different state amusement ride offices (in some states a lack of an amusement ride office) in 2011.

 

The updates, which should continue for the next few weeks, will also entail updated state contact information.


Friday, April 27th, 2012

Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA

 

86 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Green Lantern: 37 riders complained of multiple issues associated with riding this roller coaster:
    • 18 riders mentioned chest injuries after riding, with both mentioning having issues breathing when they got off the ride.
    • 10 riders complained of having their necks whipped around straining them with 4 riders saying they sustained cervical sprains.
    • 5 riders complained of back pain associated with being thrown around on this roller coaster.
    • 4 riders mentioned blacking out on this roller coaster as it violently whipped them around.
  • Batman The Ride: 17 riders complained of losing feeling in their legs after getting off of ride. This is a re-occurring issue with this type of roller coaster. It's unknown, however, the exact reason.
  • Goliath: 10 riders made mention of blacking out on this ride.
  • Tatsu: 10 riders mentioned blacking out on this ride as well, during the pretzel loop. 4 of the riders mentioned a bloody nose associated with this as well.
  • Riddler's Revenge: 7 riders complained of calf cramps after getting off of this roller coaster. Riders mentioned during the ride that it seemed all pressure was being placed on their legs during this rides inversions.
  • X2:  5 riders complained of breathing issues while on this ride. One rider pointed out the restraint pushing in on their chest and being uncomfortably tight.

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida, USA

 

33 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Incredible Hulk: 25 riders complained of neck and shoulder pain after riding this roller coaster:
    • 18 riders mentioned neck pain after getting off this ride. Said it was mainly due to this rides first inversion.
    • 7 riders mentioned striking the top of their shoulders into this rides restraint during inversions, also in the first loop.
  • Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey: 8 riders complained of headache and vision problems after getting off this ride. We have been unable to pin point a cause.

Next: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA


Friday, April 20th, 2012

Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, California, USA

 

43 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Revenge of the Mummy: 23 riders complained of back pain after riding this roller coaster. All riders mentioned that this occurred during the backwards portion of the ride, which was described as rough and uncomfortable.
  • The Simpsons Ride: 20 riders complained of neck pain, back pain, and vision issues after riding this motion simulator:
    • 11 riders said they came off of this ride with blurry vision headache.
    • 7 riders mentioned being whipped around during the ride causing back pain. 4 of the 7 mentioned some movements of the ride vehicle did not correspond with what was going on the screen.
    • 2 riders mentioned neck pain pain, which they said had to do with the sudden movements made by this ride.

Next: Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida, USA


Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Disneyland, Anaheim, California, USA

 

53 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Indiana Jones: the 47 injuries on this ride were neck and back related:
    • 27 neck related injuries were attributed to this rides' jerky motions and sudden drops, which according to riders, is painful and caused their necks to snap around. Several riders mentioned understanding it's apart of the off road aspect of the ride, but it was too painful and not fun.
    • 20 back related injuries were associated with this riders being thrown around the ride vehicle. 4 of the injured mentioned the ride's seatbelt as keeping you still, but allowing your back to take the beating.
  • Splash Mountain: the 5 injuries on this ride consisted of slip and falls. Resulting in riders using the inside seat as a step, which was wet, and caused them to lose their stepping.

There were a few more injuries were were tracking, but could not confirm them. We did, however, disprove 49 injuries at this park due to baseless and ridiculous claims.

 

We'll be touching on what types of baseless and ridiculous claims we have come across, not only at Disneyland, but at each park we tracked in 2011 in a later post.

 

Next: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, California, USA

---

UPDATE: Eight people given jail terms in Chinese amusement park accident


Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka, Missouri, USA

 

58 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Boss: 23 riders complained of back pain associated with riding this roller coaster. All riders mentioned a rough out of control ride that was painful on the back. Those back injuries were primarily upper back strains.
  • Batman The Ride: 15 riders complained of losing feeling in their legs after getting off of ride. This is a re-occurring issue with this type of roller coaster. It's unknown, however, the exact reason.
  • Screamin' Eagle: 11 riders complained of back pain associated with riding this roller coaster. Those back injuries, however, were lower strains.
  • Ninja: 9 riders complained neck and shoulder pain associated with riding this roller coaster. This is the only roller coaster, where all 9 riders complained of both neck and shoulder injuries together. Riders mentioned a rough jerky ride that caused the tops of their shoulders to repeatedly  strike the restraint. As for their necks, they mentioned having them whipped around during the ride.

Next: Disneyland, Anaheim, California, USA

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Accident News: Go-Kart Accident at Orlando’s Magical Midway


Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Update

 

We have a few more parks to get to and our venue safety database will be complete and ready to publish here on the website.

 

In the coming weeks we have decided to release safety information pertaining to state agencies. A question we seem to get a lot is, "why won't they reply or follow-up with me?" Or, "who do I contact?" So we'll release some numbers and information showing how many consumers contacted us asking about state specific information, along with updated listings. 

 

Along with the venue safety database, we'll also be focusing on water parks, carnivals, and inflatable devices. As well as general safety issues that pop up here and there. You'll find those on a separate page that we're currently constructing.

 

Thank you again for your continued support.


Monday, April 16th, 2012

Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Illinois, USA

 

43 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Batman The Ride: 19 riders complained of losing feeling in their legs after getting off of ride,. This is a re-occurring issue with this type of roller coaster. It's unknown, however, the exact reason.
  • Superman - Ultimate Flight: 14 riders mentioned blacking out during the ride. Say lying down had a lot to do with it as the sensation was uncomfortable.
  • American Eagle: the 10 injuries on this wooden roller coaster involved back related injury. Riders mentioned this rides rough bumpy ride that was painful and not much fun.

Next: Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka, Missouri, USA


Friday, April 13th, 2012

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey, USA

 

49 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Batman The Ride: 22 riders complained of losing feeling in their legs after getting off of ride,. This is a re-occurring issue with this type of roller coaster. It's unknown, however, the exact reason.
  • Superman - Ultimate Flight: 10 riders mentioned blacking out during the ride. Say lying down had a lot to do with it as the sensation was uncomfortable.
  • El Toro: 8 riders complained of back pain after riding this roller coaster. Mentioned while surprisingly smooth, the sudden movements caused back pain related issues.
  • Kingda Ka: 5 riders complained of neck pain associated with this rides launch. Despite keep their heads back, riders say the force generate by the ride caused them neck pain. All 5 did mention that the neck pain was a lot like a stiff neck.
  • Green Lantern: 4 riders complained of calf cramps after getting off of this roller coaster. Riders mentioned during the ride that it seemed all pressure was being placed on their legs during this rides inversions.

Next: Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Illinois, USA


Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA

 

29 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Rattler: the 22 injuries on this ride were back and neck related. Riders indicated a rough non enjoyable ride:
    • 15 riders mentioned back pain after getting off of this ride.
    • 7  riders mentioned neck pain.
  • Boomerang: 7 riders complained of neck associated with riding this roller coaster. All mentioned that  there necks were whipped around during the backwards part of the ride.

With regard to The Rattler, one employee we spoke with said the ride is rough, yes, but they felt guests were making it a bigger deal than it really was. When asked how -- they said the ride has a reputation for being rough and uncomfortable and that sways public perception. They did tell us the park was going to do some things to the ride to make the ride experience more enjoyable.

 

Next: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey, USA


Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Ride Malfunctions; 2 Injured

 

At the Bremen festival in Bremen, Germany, two people were injured when the Commander ride malfunctioned.

 

While at full speed the ride apparently bent, however, an operator activated the emergency stop, which, according to reports, prevented the ride from sustaining more damage.

 


                                                                                       weser-kurier.de

 

A 14-year-old girl and a 33-year-old man were only slightly injured. They received medical treatment on-scene and were released.

The ride was closed and an investigation is being conducted. The ride had just been cleared for operation by TÜV.

 

                                                                                      weser-kurier.de

 

In October 2011, two woman were seriously injured after a seat broke off the Kraken ride and skidded into a safety railing. Apparently a seat broke off while carrying the two women, hitting the ground and sliding into the railing.

 

More European Accidents:

Full European Accident Database


Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo, California, USA

 

52 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Kong: the 29 injuries on this ride were neck as well head and ear related related:
    • 15 riders indicating having their necks whipped around during the course of the ride, causing neck pain.
    • 7 riders mentioned having the side if their heads slammed into the restraint -- causing headache. 1 rider mentioned this caused a migraine headache.
    • 7 riders indicated having their ears striking this rides restrain causing muffled hearing and bruising.
  • Roar: the 18 injuries on this ride were back related. Riders mentioned a rough ride that threw them around.
  • Boomerang Coast to Coaster: 5 riders complained of neck associated with riding this roller coaster. All mentioned that  there necks were whipped around during the backwards part of the ride.

Next: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA


Monday, April 9th, 2012

Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, USA

 

24 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Roar: the 15 injuries on this ride were back related. All 15 riders who reported back injuries were sitting in the last 2 rows of the roller coaster train.
  • The Mind Eraser: the 11 injuries on this ride were neck related. Riders mentioned having their necks violently whipped around during the ride. No head or ear related injuries reported.

Next: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo, California, USA


Friday, April 6th, 2012

Six Flags New England, Agawam, Massachusetts, USA

 

53 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Cyclone: 37 riders complained of back pain associated with riding this roller coaster. All injuries seem to stem from a rough uncomfortable ride. With one rider saying: "was no fun being bounced and punched around like that."
  • Mind Eraser: the 16 injuries on this ride were neck as well ear related related:
    • 9 riders indicating having their necks whipped around during the course of the ride, causing neck pain.
    • 7 riders indicated having their ears striking this rides restrain causing muffled hearing and bruising.

Next: Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, USA


Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, Georgia, USA

 

63 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Batman The Ride: 20 riders complained of losing feeling in their legs after getting off of ride. This is a re-occurring issue with this type of roller coaster. It's unknown, however, the exact reason.
  • Ninja: 20 riders complained of  shoulder and neck pain associated with riding this roller coaster:
    • 12 riders mentioned striking their shoulders into this rides restraint. 1 rider mentioning they suffered an ac joint separation.
    • 8 riders mentioned neck pain after riding this roller coaster. They indicated a rough ride that bounced their neck around.
  • The Georgia Cyclone: 9 riders complained of back pain associated with riding this roller coaster. All 9 riders were sitting within the back part of the roller coaster train.
  • The Georgia Scorcher: 7 riders complained of calf cramps after getting off of this roller coaster.
  • Superman Ultimate Flight: 7 riders mentioned blacking out during the ride. Say lying down had a lot to do with it as the sensation was uncomfortable.

Next: Six Flags New England, Agawam, Massachusetts, USA

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Woman Thrown From Ride

 

At EVP World amusement park in Chembarambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India a 25-year-old woman suffered multiple fractures when she was thrown off the 'cup 'n' saucer' ride and slammed against the base of the structure, fracturing her hip and collar bone.

She was taken to the hospital where she underwent surgery.

Family and amusement park officials offered contradictory versions on what caused the fall. Her family alleges that a safety chain securing the door of their box broke during the ride. The park, however, said that she opened the door herself before the ride stopped.

An investigation is pending.


Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas, USA

 

48 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • Judge Roy Scream: 21 riders complained of back pain associated with riding this roller coaster. All riders made mention of a rough bouncy ride that was translated into back pain. 3 riders indicated they left the park after riding due to the pain in their back.
  • Batman The Ride: 19 riders complained of losing feeling in their legs after getting off of ride. This is a re-occurring issue with this type of roller coaster. It's unknown, however, the exact reason.
  • Titan: 8 riders blacked out on ride. Exact cause unknown. Riders noted no previous medical issues.

Next: Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, Georgia, USA


Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA

 

22 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • The Simpsons Ride: 17 riders complained of neck pain, back pain, and vision issues after riding this motion simulator:
    • 7 riders mentioned being whipped around during the ride causing back pain.
    • 5 riders mentioned neck pain pain, which they said had to do with the sudden movements made by this ride.
    • 5 riders said they came off of this ride with blurry vision and issues with walking. After resting they said everything was okay.
  • Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit: 5 riders mentioned back pain associated with riding this roller coaster. All 5 said this occurred as they pulled out of the bottom 1st drop.

Next: Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas, USA


Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Disneyland, Hong Kong, China

 

0 Significant Injuries Reported to ASO in 2011
  • General: Heat related illness is an issue at this park during the hot humid summer months. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! There were ride related incidents, but nothing worth noting as of yet.

Next: Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA


Here We Go...

 

The past 2 1/2 months we have combed through information and spoken with a wide range of amusement park workers and consumers. With that, we've completed end of the year injury information for a wide range of parks -- including ones outside of the United States.

  • Injury Reports on 75+ parks for the 2011 season -- that'll be released daily through at least April.

  • Selected European and Asian amusement parks have been added.

  • All parks are being placed within one central database -- one page, one click, and you'll have the most updated information available -- anywhere!


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