Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey was hit by a roller coaster that malfunctioned. This accident resulted in several injuries and five trips to the hospital. Officials from the park said that the El Toro rollercoaster suffered a minor injury on Aug. 25, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Reports state that during the ride’s last moments, something went wrong, causing multiple injuries for its passengers.WNBC. There were 14 injuries, five of whom were hospitalized. The park shut down its roller coaster just before it was due to close at 8 pm.
Tammori Peetty-Dixon, spokesperson, stated that the hotline for amusement rides at the state Department of Community Affairs informed them that witnesses heard a loud bang, and then saw the El Toro train vibrate during operation.Asbury Park Pressreported.
Gabriel Darretta, spokesperson for Six Flags, stated that everyone was able exit the ride following its regular run. “Several guests reported back pain and minor injuries after riding El Toro last evening,” Darretta said. “Thirteen guests were evaluated at the park, of which five were taken to a local medical facility for evaluation, where they were treated and released.”Friday inspections were not permitted on the ride.
Petty Dixonon reported that there were two injuries to the neck, two to the back, and two injuries to the mouth. “Any maintenance and repairs necessary will be completed and the ride will be reinspected by our engineers, maintenance professionals, our third party independent safety inspectors and the state of New Jersey prior to reopening,”He stated.
According to the park’s website, El Toro is the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in the world. It drops 176 feet at an angle of 76 degrees, making it one of the steepest in America, and can reach speeds of 70 mph. The wooden rollercoasterThis year, after a partial delay last summer, the site has been reopened. The wooden roller coaster was shut down when its rear wheels lifted off the track. The park was not injured but the state assessed a $5,000 fine for failing to immediately call ride officials.
Following the incident of June 29, 2021 the Department of Community Affairs “red-tagged”It was removed from service and placed under engineering review. According to the department the rear-up wheel that prevents trains from lifting was pushed up onto the rail, causing a partial train derailment. This incident did not result in any injuries for park visitors.
“All necessary modifications have been completed, and El Toro is expected to reopen this spring following extensive testing, inspections by internal and external experts, and state certification by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs,”The park released a statement in February. An investigation is ongoing into the incident on Thursday. The New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs directed six Flags to close the ride. Inspectors arrived on the scene the next day to inspect, the department stated.